Safe to Fly: Certifying COTS Hardware for Spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fichuk, Jessica L.

2011-01-01

Providing hardware for the astronauts to use on board the Space Shuttle or International Space Station (ISS) involves a certification process that entails evaluating hardware safety, weighing risks, providing mitigation, and verifying requirements. Upon completion of this certification process, the hardware is deemed safe to fly. This process from start to finish can be completed as quickly as 1 week or can take several years in length depending on the complexity of the hardware and whether the item is a unique custom design. One area of cost and schedule savings that NASA implements is buying Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) hardware and certifying it for human spaceflight as safe to fly. By utilizing commercial hardware, NASA saves time not having to develop, design and build the hardware from scratch, as well as a timesaving in the certification process. By utilizing COTS hardware, the current detailed certification process can be simplified which results in schedule savings. Cost savings is another important benefit of flying COTS hardware. Procuring COTS hardware for space use can be more economical than custom building the hardware. This paper will investigate the cost savings associated with certifying COTS hardware to NASA s standards rather than performing a custom build.

REE radiation fault model: a tool for organizing and communication radiation test data and construction COTS based spacebourne computing systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferraro, R.; Some, R.

2002-01-01

The growth in data rates of instruments on future NASA spacecraft continues to outstrip the improvement in communications bandwidth and processing capabilities of radiation-hardened computers. Sophisticated autonomous operations strategies will further increase the processing workload. Given the reductions in spacecraft size and available power, standard radiation hardened computing systems alone will not be able to address the requirements of future missions. The REE project was intended to overcome this obstacle by developing a COTS- based supercomputer suitable for use as a science and autonomy data processor in most space environments. This development required a detailed knowledge of system behavior in the presence of Single Event Effect (SEE) induced faults so that mitigation strategies could be designed to recover system level reliability while maintaining the COTS throughput advantage. The REE project has developed a suite of tools and a methodology for predicting SEU induced transient fault rates in a range of natural space environments from ground-based radiation testing of component parts. In this paper we provide an overview of this methodology and tool set with a concentration on the radiation fault model and its use in the REE system development methodology. Using test data reported elsewhere in this and other conferences, we predict upset rates for a particular COTS single board computer configuration in several space environments.

Transitioning to Integrated Modular Avionics with a Mission Management System

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-10-01

software structure, which is based on the use of a of interchangeable processing modules of a limited COTS Real - Time Operating System . number of...open standardised interfaces system hardware or the Real - Time Operating System directly supports the use of COTS components, which implementation, to...System RTOS Real - Time Operating System SMBP System Management Blueprint Interface SMOS System Management to Operating System Interface Figure 2: The ASAAC

COX2 expression and Erk1/Erk2 activity mediate Cot-induced cell migration.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Cristina; López, Pilar; Pozo, Maite; Duce, Antonio Martín; López-Pelaéz, Marta; Fernández, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2008-09-01

The MAPKKK8 Cot/tpl-2, identified as an oncogene (Cot-T), participates in the intracellular signaling activated by members of the TLR and TNFalpha receptor superfamilies. Here we demonstrate that Cot promotes cell migration by regulating different steps involved in this process, such as cell adhesion and metalloproteinase activity. Indeed, Cot also regulates the cytoskeleton and Cot-T overexpression provokes the polarization of microtubules and the loss of stress fibers. Moreover, and in accordance with the increased Rac-GTP levels observed, Cot-T overexpressing cells develop more lamellipodia than control cells. Conversely, depletion of endogenous Cot increases the formation of stress fibers which is correlated with the high levels of Rho-GTP observed in these cells. In addition, the increase in COX2 expression and the activation of Erk1/2 regulated by Cot are essential for the induction of cell migration. Together, these data provide evidence of a new role for both proto-oncogenic and oncogenic Cot.

Data management plan for HANDI 2000 business management system

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

Wilson, D.

The Hanford Data Integration 2000 (HANDI 2000) Project will result in an integrated and comprehensive set of functional applications containing core information necessary to support the Project Hanford Management Contract (PHMC). It is based on the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product solution with commercially proven business processes. The COTS product solution set, of PassPort (PP) and PeopleSoft (PS) software, supports finance, supply and chemical management/Material Safety Data Sheet.

Please Reduce Cycle Time

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

observed an ERP system implementation that encountered this exact model. The modified COTS software worked and passed the acceptance tests but never... software -intensive program. We decided to create a very detailed master sched- ule with multiple supporting subschedules that linked and Implementing ...processes in place as part of the COTS implementation . For hardware , COTS can also present some risks. Many pro- grams use COTS computers and servers

RelB-induced expression of Cot, an MAP3K family member, rescues RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in alymphoplasia mice by promoting NF-κB2 processing by IKKα.

PubMed

Taniguchi, Rei; Fukushima, Hidefumi; Osawa, Kenji; Maruyama, Toshimasa; Yasuda, Hisataka; Weih, Falk; Doi, Takahiro; Maki, Kenshi; Jimi, Eijiro

2014-03-14

The alternative nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, mainly the RelB-p52 heterodimer, plays important roles in bone metabolism through an unknown mechanism. We have previously reported that alymphoplasia (aly/aly) mice, which lack active NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), show mild osteopetrosis due to the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. p100 retains RelB in the cytoplasm and inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in aly/aly cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of RelB in aly/aly cells rescues RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by inducing p100 processing. In contrast, the overexpression of p65 in aly/aly cells has no effect. However, the overexpression of RelB fails to rescue RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in the presence of p100ΔGRR, which cannot be processed to p52, suggesting that p100 processing is a key step in RelB-rescued, RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in aly/aly cells. In this study, Cot (cancer Osaka thyroid), an MAP3K, was up-regulated by RelB overexpression. Analysis of the Cot promoter demonstrated that p65 and RelB bound to the distal NF-κB-binding site and that RelB but not p65 bound to the proximal NF-κB-binding site in the Cot promoter. The knocking down of Cot expression significantly reduced the RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis induced by RelB overexpression. The phosphorylation of IKKα at threonine 23 and its kinase activity were indispensable for the processing of p100 and osteoclastogenesis by RelB-induced Cot. Finally, constitutively activated Akt enhanced osteoclastogenesis by RelB-induced Cot, and a dominant-negative form of Akt significantly inhibited it. Taken together, these results indicate that the overexpression of RelB restores RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by activation of Akt/Cot/IKKα-induced p100 processing.

RelB-induced Expression of Cot, an MAP3K Family Member, Rescues RANKL-induced Osteoclastogenesis in Alymphoplasia Mice by Promoting NF-κB2 Processing by IKKα*

PubMed Central

Taniguchi, Rei; Fukushima, Hidefumi; Osawa, Kenji; Maruyama, Toshimasa; Yasuda, Hisataka; Weih, Falk; Doi, Takahiro; Maki, Kenshi; Jimi, Eijiro

2014-01-01

The alternative nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, mainly the RelB-p52 heterodimer, plays important roles in bone metabolism through an unknown mechanism. We have previously reported that alymphoplasia (aly/aly) mice, which lack active NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), show mild osteopetrosis due to the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. p100 retains RelB in the cytoplasm and inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in aly/aly cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of RelB in aly/aly cells rescues RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by inducing p100 processing. In contrast, the overexpression of p65 in aly/aly cells has no effect. However, the overexpression of RelB fails to rescue RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in the presence of p100ΔGRR, which cannot be processed to p52, suggesting that p100 processing is a key step in RelB-rescued, RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in aly/aly cells. In this study, Cot (cancer Osaka thyroid), an MAP3K, was up-regulated by RelB overexpression. Analysis of the Cot promoter demonstrated that p65 and RelB bound to the distal NF-κB-binding site and that RelB but not p65 bound to the proximal NF-κB-binding site in the Cot promoter. The knocking down of Cot expression significantly reduced the RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis induced by RelB overexpression. The phosphorylation of IKKα at threonine 23 and its kinase activity were indispensable for the processing of p100 and osteoclastogenesis by RelB-induced Cot. Finally, constitutively activated Akt enhanced osteoclastogenesis by RelB-induced Cot, and a dominant-negative form of Akt significantly inhibited it. Taken together, these results indicate that the overexpression of RelB restores RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by activation of Akt/Cot/IKKα-induced p100 processing. PMID:24488495

Categorization of Digital Games in English Language Learning Studies: Introducing the SSI Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sundqvist, Pia

2013-01-01

The main aim of the present paper is to introduce a model for digital game categorization suitable for use in English language learning studies: the Scale of Social Interaction (SSI) Model (original idea published as Sundqvist, 2013). The SSI Model proposes a classification of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) digital games into three categories:…

COTS-Based Fault Tolerance in Deep Space: Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of a Bus Network Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tai, Ann T.; Chau, Savio N.; Alkalai, Leon

2000-01-01

Using COTS products, standards and intellectual properties (IPs) for all the system and component interfaces is a crucial step toward significant reduction of both system cost and development cost as the COTS interfaces enable other COTS products and IPs to be readily accommodated by the target system architecture. With respect to the long-term survivable systems for deep-space missions, the major challenge for us is, under stringent power and mass constraints, to achieve ultra-high reliability of the system comprising COTS products and standards that are not developed for mission-critical applications. The spirit of our solution is to exploit the pertinent standard features of a COTS product to circumvent its shortcomings, though these standard features may not be originally designed for highly reliable systems. In this paper, we discuss our experiences and findings on the design of an IEEE 1394 compliant fault-tolerant COTS-based bus architecture. We first derive and qualitatively analyze a -'stacktree topology" that not only complies with IEEE 1394 but also enables the implementation of a fault-tolerant bus architecture without node redundancy. We then present a quantitative evaluation that demonstrates significant reliability improvement from the COTS-based fault tolerance.

A COTS-Based Replacement Strategy for Aging Avionics Computers

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-12-01

Communication Control Unit. A COTS-Based Replacement Strategy for Aging Avionics Computers COTS Microprocessor Real Time Operating System New Native Code...Native Code Objec ts Native Code Thread Real - Time Operating System Legacy Function x Virtual Component Environment Context Switch Thunk Add-in Replace

Data Acquisition System for Multi-Frequency Radar Flight Operations Preparation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leachman, Jonathan

2010-01-01

A three-channel data acquisition system was developed for the NASA Multi-Frequency Radar (MFR) system. The system is based on a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) industrial PC (personal computer) and two dual-channel 14-bit digital receiver cards. The decimated complex envelope representations of the three radar signals are passed to the host PC via the PCI bus, and then processed in parallel by multiple cores of the PC CPU (central processing unit). The innovation is this parallelization of the radar data processing using multiple cores of a standard COTS multi-core CPU. The data processing portion of the data acquisition software was built using autonomous program modules or threads, which can run simultaneously on different cores. A master program module calculates the optimal number of processing threads, launches them, and continually supplies each with data. The benefit of this new parallel software architecture is that COTS PCs can be used to implement increasingly complex processing algorithms on an increasing number of radar range gates and data rates. As new PCs become available with higher numbers of CPU cores, the software will automatically utilize the additional computational capacity.

Application of a cell-once-through perfusion strategy for production of recombinant antibody from rCHO cells in a Centritech Lab II centrifuge system.

PubMed

Kim, Byoung Jin; Chang, Ho Nam; Oh, Duk Jae

2007-01-01

Based upon the results of scale-down intermittent perfusion processes, a cell-once-through (COT) perfusion concept was applied to a dual bioreactor system coupled to a Centritech Lab II centrifuge for culture of recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cells for monoclonal antibody production. In this new culture mode, i.e., the COT perfusion process, total spent medium was transferred to the centrifuge and a fixed percentage was removed. Approximately 99% of the viable cells are transferred to another bioreactor filled with fresh medium by single operation of the Centritech Lab II centrifuge system for about 30 min. Accordingly, a significant reduction of the cell-passage frequency to the centrifuge led to minimization of cell damage caused by mechanical shear stress, oxygen limitation, nutrient limitation, and low temperature outside the bioreactor. The effects of culture temperature shift and fortified medium on cell growth and recombinant antibody production in the COT perfusion process were investigated. Although the suppressive effects of low culture temperature on cell growth led to a loss of stability in a long-term COT perfusion culture system, the average antibody concentration at 33 degrees C was 157.8 mg/L, approximately 2.4-fold higher than that at 37 degrees C. By the use of a fortified medium at 37 degrees C, rCHO cells were maintained at high density above 1.2 x 10(7) cells/mL, and antibody was produced continuously in a range of 260-280 mg/L in a stable long-term COT perfusion culture. The proposed new culture mode, the COT perfusion approach, guarantees the recovery of rCHO cells damaged by lowered temperature or high lactate and ammonium concentration. It will be an attractive choice for minimization of cell damage and stable long-term antibody production with high cell density.

Unfolding pathway of CotA-laccase and the role of copper on the prevention of refolding through aggregation of the unfolded state

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

Fernandes, Andre T.; Lopes, Carlos; Martins, Ligia O.

2012-06-08

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CotA-laccase unfolds with an intermediate state. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Copper stabilizes the native and the intermediate state. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Copper binding to the unfolded state prevents refolding through protein aggregation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Copper incorporation in CotA-laccase occurs as a later step during folding. -- Abstract: Copper is a redox-active metal and the main player in electron transfer reactions occurring in multicopper oxidases. The role of copper in the unfolding pathway and refolding of the multicopper oxidase CotA laccase in vitro was solved using double-jump stopped-flow experiments. Unfolding of apo- and holo-CotA was described as a three-state process with accumulation of an intermediatemore » in between the native and unfolded state. Copper stabilizes the native holo-CotA but also the intermediate state showing that copper is still bound to this state. Also, copper binds to unfolded holo-CotA in a non-native coordination promoting CotA aggregation and preventing refolding to the native structure. These results gather information on unfolding/folding pathways of multicopper oxidases and show that copper incorporation in vivo should be a tight controlled process as copper binding to the unfolded state under native conditions promotes protein aggregation.« less

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Graphics Processing Board (GPB) Radiation Test Evaluation Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salazar, George A.; Steele, Glen F.

2013-01-01

Large round trip communications latency for deep space missions will require more onboard computational capabilities to enable the space vehicle to undertake many tasks that have traditionally been ground-based, mission control responsibilities. As a result, visual display graphics will be required to provide simpler vehicle situational awareness through graphical representations, as well as provide capabilities never before done in a space mission, such as augmented reality for in-flight maintenance or Telepresence activities. These capabilities will require graphics processors and associated support electronic components for high computational graphics processing. In an effort to understand the performance of commercial graphics card electronics operating in the expected radiation environment, a preliminary test was performed on five commercial offthe- shelf (COTS) graphics cards. This paper discusses the preliminary evaluation test results of five COTS graphics processing cards tested to the International Space Station (ISS) low earth orbit radiation environment. Three of the five graphics cards were tested to a total dose of 6000 rads (Si). The test articles, test configuration, preliminary results, and recommendations are discussed.

Current Radiation Issues for Programmable Elements and Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katz, R.; Wang, J. J.; Koga, R.; LaBel, A.; McCollum, J.; Brown, R.; Reed, R. A.; Cronquist, B.; Crain, S.; Scott, T.;

Cancer Osaka thyroid (Cot) phosphorylates Polo-like kinase (PLK1) at Ser137 but not at Thr210.

PubMed

Wu, Binhui; Jiang, Ping; Mu, Yuguang; Wilmouth, Rupert C

2009-12-01

Cancer Osaka thyroid (Cot) is a proto-oncogenic kinase which belongs to the MAP3K family. A peptide-based substrate screening assay revealed that Cot has the ability to phosphorylate Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) at Ser137. Kinase assays with intact Plk1 and peptides surrounding Ser137 and Thr210 indicated further that Cot phosphorylates Ser137 but not Thr210. Additional support came from 3D peptide structure prediction and Cot-Plk1 interaction modeling. In vivo experiments demonstrated that wild type Cot, but not a kinase-dead mutant, has the ability to phosphorylate Ser137. Knockdown of Cot in Hela showed a reduction in the level of phosphorylation of Ser137. These results imply for the first time that Cot might be an upstream kinase of Plk1 and suggest a new mechanism for the regulation of the cellular function of Plk1.

Chronic Opioid Therapy and Central Sensitization in Sickle Cell Disease

PubMed Central

Carroll, C. Patrick; Lanzkron, Sophie; Haywood, Carlton; Kiley, Kasey; Pejsa, Megan; Moscou-Jackson, Gyasi; Haythornthwaite, Jennifer A.; Campbell, Claudia M.

2016-01-01

Chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic non-cancer pain is frequently debated, and its effectiveness is unproven in sickle cell disease (SCD). The authors conducted a descriptive study among 83 adult SCD patients and compared severity of disease and pain symptoms among those who were prescribed COT (n=29) with those who were not using COT. All patients completed baseline laboratory pain assessment and questionnaires between January 2010 and June 2014. Thereafter, participants recorded daily pain, crises, function, and healthcare utilization for 90 days using electronic diaries. Analyses were conducted shortly after the final diary data collection period. Patients on COT did not differ on age, sex, or measures of disease severity. However, patients on COT exhibited greater levels of clinical pain (particularly non-crisis), central sensitization, depression, and increased diary measures of pain severity, function, and healthcare utilization on crisis and non-crisis diary days, as well as a greater proportion of days in crisis. Including depressive symptoms in multivariate models did not change the associations between COT and pain, interference, central sensitization, or utilization. Additionally, participants not on COT displayed the expected positive relationship between central sensitization and clinical pain, whereas those on COT demonstrated no such relationship, despite having both higher central sensitization and higher clinical pain. Overall, the results point out a high symptom burden in SCD patients on COT, including those on high-dose COT, and suggest that nociceptive processing in SCD patients on COT differs from those who are not. PMID:27320469

The Package-Based Development Process in the Flight Dynamics Division

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parra, Amalia; Seaman, Carolyn; Basili, Victor; Kraft, Stephen; Condon, Steven; Burke, Steven; Yakimovich, Daniil

1997-01-01

The Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) has been operating for more than two decades in the Flight Dynamics Division (FDD) and has adapted to the constant movement of the software development environment. The SEL's Improvement Paradigm shows that process improvement is an iterative process. Understanding, Assessing and Packaging are the three steps that are followed in this cyclical paradigm. As the improvement process cycles back to the first step, after having packaged some experience, the level of understanding will be greater. In the past, products resulting from the packaging step have been large process documents, guidebooks, and training programs. As the technical world moves toward more modularized software, we have made a move toward more modularized software development process documentation, as such the products of the packaging step are becoming smaller and more frequent. In this manner, the QIP takes on a more spiral approach rather than a waterfall. This paper describes the state of the FDD in the area of software development processes, as revealed through the understanding and assessing activities conducted by the COTS study team. The insights presented include: (1) a characterization of a typical FDD Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) intensive software development life-cycle process, (2) lessons learned through the COTS study interviews, and (3) a description of changes in the SEL due to the changing and accelerating nature of software development in the FDD.

Qualification Tests of Micro-camera Modules for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Shinichi; Miyasaka, Akira

Visual capability is very important for space-based activities, for which small, low-cost space cameras are desired. Although cameras for terrestrial applications are continually being improved, little progress has been made on cameras used in space, which must be extremely robust to withstand harsh environments. This study focuses on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) CMOS digital cameras because they are very small and are based on an established mass-market technology. Radiation and ultrahigh-vacuum tests were conducted on a small COTS camera that weighs less than 100 mg (including optics). This paper presents the results of the qualification tests for COTS cameras and for a small, low-cost COTS-based space camera.

Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software for train control applications : system safety considerations.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-04-01

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using commercial off-the-shelf(COTS)processor-based systems for safety- related railroad applications. From the safety perspective,the fundamental challenges of using COTS products are most...

Benefits of an automated GLP final report preparation software solution.

PubMed

Elvebak, Larry E

2011-07-01

The final product of analytical laboratories performing US FDA-regulated (or GLP) method validation and bioanalysis studies is the final report. Although there are commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software/instrument systems available to laboratory managers to automate and manage almost every aspect of the instrumental and sample-handling processes of GLP studies, there are few software systems available to fully manage the GLP final report preparation process. This lack of appropriate COTS tools results in the implementation of rather Byzantine and manual processes to cobble together all the information needed to generate a GLP final report. The manual nature of these processes results in the need for several iterative quality control and quality assurance events to ensure data accuracy and report formatting. The industry is in need of a COTS solution that gives laboratory managers and study directors the ability to manage as many portions as possible of the GLP final report writing process and the ability to generate a GLP final report with the click of a button. This article describes the COTS software features needed to give laboratory managers and study directors such a solution.

Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Components and Enterprise Component Information System (eCIS)

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

John Minihan; Ed Schmidt; Greg Enserro

The purpose of the project was to develop the processes for using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts for WR production and to put in place a system for implementing the data management tools required to disseminate, store, track procurement, and qualify vendors. Much of the effort was devoted to determining if the use of COTS parts was possible. A basic question: How does the Nuclear Weapons Complex (NWC) begin to use COTS in the weapon Stockpile Life Extension Programs with high reliability, affordability, while managing risk at acceptable levels? In FY00, it was determined that a certain weapon refurbishment program couldmore » not be accomplished without the use of COTS components. The elements driving the use of COTS components included decreased cost, greater availability, and shorter delivery time. Key factors that required implementation included identifying the best suppliers and components, defining life cycles and predictions of obsolescence, testing the feasibility of using COTS components with a test contractor to ensure capability, as well as quality and reliability, and implementing the data management tools required to disseminate, store, track procurement, and qualify vendors. The primary effort of this project then was to concentrate on the risks involved in the use of COTS and address the issues of part and vendor selection, procurement and acceptance processes, and qualification of the parts via part and sample testing. The Enterprise Component Information System (eCIS) was used to manage the information generated by the COTS process. eCIS is a common interface for both the design and production of NWC components and systems integrating information between SNL National Laboratory (SNL) and the Kansas City Plant (KCP). The implementation of COTS components utilizes eCIS from part selection through qualification release. All part related data is linked across an unclassified network for access by both SNL and KCP personnel. The system includes not only NWC part information but also includes technical reference data for over 25 Million electronic and electromechanical commercial and military parts via a data subscription. With the capabilities added to the system through this project, eCIS provides decision support, parts list/BOM analysis, editing, tracking, workflows, reporting, and history/legacy information integrating manufacturer reference, company technical, company business, and design data.« less

A multimodal interface for real-time soldier-robot teaming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barber, Daniel J.; Howard, Thomas M.; Walter, Matthew R.

2016-05-01

Recent research and advances in robotics have led to the development of novel platforms leveraging new sensing capabilities for semantic navigation. As these systems becoming increasingly more robust, they support highly complex commands beyond direct teleoperation and waypoint finding facilitating a transition away from robots as tools to robots as teammates. Supporting future Soldier-Robot teaming requires communication capabilities on par with human-human teams for successful integration of robots. Therefore, as robots increase in functionality, it is equally important that the interface between the Soldier and robot advances as well. Multimodal communication (MMC) enables human-robot teaming through redundancy and levels of communications more robust than single mode interaction. Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies released in recent years for smart-phones and gaming provide tools for the creation of portable interfaces incorporating MMC through the use of speech, gestures, and visual displays. However, for multimodal interfaces to be successfully used in the military domain, they must be able to classify speech, gestures, and process natural language in real-time with high accuracy. For the present study, a prototype multimodal interface supporting real-time interactions with an autonomous robot was developed. This device integrated COTS Automated Speech Recognition (ASR), a custom gesture recognition glove, and natural language understanding on a tablet. This paper presents performance results (e.g. response times, accuracy) of the integrated device when commanding an autonomous robot to perform reconnaissance and surveillance activities in an unknown outdoor environment.

Chronic Opioid Therapy and Central Sensitization in Sickle Cell Disease.

PubMed

Carroll, C Patrick; Lanzkron, Sophie; Haywood, Carlton; Kiley, Kasey; Pejsa, Megan; Moscou-Jackson, Gyasi; Haythornthwaite, Jennifer A; Campbell, Claudia M

2016-07-01

Chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic non-cancer pain is frequently debated, and its effectiveness is unproven in sickle cell disease (SCD). The authors conducted a descriptive study among 83 adult SCD patients and compared the severity of disease and pain symptoms among those who were prescribed COT (n=29) with those who were not using COT. All patients completed baseline laboratory pain assessment and questionnaires between January 2010 and June 2014. Thereafter, participants recorded daily pain, crises, function, and healthcare utilization for 90 days using electronic diaries. Analyses were conducted shortly after the final diary data collection period. Patients on COT did not differ on age, sex, or measures of disease severity. However, patients on COT exhibited greater levels of clinical pain (particularly non-crisis); central sensitization; and depression and increased diary measures of pain severity, function, and healthcare utilization on crisis and non-crisis diary days, as well as a greater proportion of days in crisis. Including depressive symptoms in multivariate models did not change the associations between COT and pain, interference, central sensitization, or utilization. Additionally, participants not on COT displayed the expected positive relationship between central sensitization and clinical pain, whereas those on COT demonstrated no such relationship, despite having both higher central sensitization and higher clinical pain. Overall, the results point out a high symptom burden in SCD patients on COT, including those on high-dose COT, and suggest that nociceptive processing in SCD patients on COT differs from those who are not. Copyright © 2016 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improvements to the Processing and Characterization of Needled Composite Laminates

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

the automated processing equipment are shown and discussed. The modifications allow better spatial control at the penetration sites and the ability... automated processing equipment are shown and discussed. The modifications allow better spatial control at the penetration sites and the ability to...semi- automated processing equipment, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) needles and COTS aramid mat designed for other applications. Needled material

Lower crustal strength controls on melting and type of oceanization at magma-poor margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ros, E.; Perez-Gussinye, M.; Araujo, M. N.; Thoaldo Romeiro, M.; Andres-Martinez, M.; Morgan, J. P.

2017-12-01

Geodynamical models have been widely used to explain the variability in the architectonical style of conjugate rifted margins as a combination of lithospheric deformation modes, which are strongly influenced by lower crustal strength. We use 2D numerical models to show that the lower crustal strength also plays a key role on the onset and amount of melting and serpentinization during continental rifting. The relative timing between melting and serpentinization onsets controls whether the continent-ocean transition (COT) of margins will be predominantly magmatic or will mainly consist of exhumed and serpentinized mantle. Based on our results for magma-poor continental rifting, we propose a genetic link between margin architecture and COT styles that can be used as an additional tool to help interpret and understand the processes leading to margin formation. Our results show that strong lower crusts and very slow extension velocities (<5 mm/yr) lead to either symmetric or asymmetric margins with large oceanward dipping faults, strong syn-rift subsidence and abrupt crustal tapering beneath the continental shelf. These margins are characterized by a COT consisting of exhumed and serpentinized mantle and some magmatic products. Weak lower crusts at ultra-slow velocities lead also to either symmetric or asymmetric margins with small faults dipping both ocean- and landward, small syn-rift subsidence and gentle crustal tapering, and present a predominantly magmatic COT, perhaps underlain by some serpentinized mantle. When conjugate margins are asymmetric, if the rheology is relatively strong, serpentinite predominantly underlays the wide margin, whereas if the lower crustal strength is weak, melt preferentially migrates towards the wide margin. Based on the onshore lithospheric structure, extension velocity and margin architecture of the magma-poor section of the South Atlantic, we suggest that the COT of the northern sector, Camamu-Gabon basins, is more likely to consist of exhumed mantle with intruded magmatism, while to the South, the Camamu-Kwanza and North Santos-South Kwanza conjugates, may be better characterized by a predominantly magmatic COT.

Cot, a novel kinase of histone H3, induces cellular transformation through up-regulation of c-fos transcriptional activity.

PubMed

Choi, Hong Seok; Kang, Bong Seok; Shim, Jung-Hyun; Cho, Yong-Yeon; Choi, Bu Young; Bode, Ann M; Dong, Zigang

2008-01-01

Post-translational modification of histones is critical for gene expression, mitosis, cell growth, apoptosis, and cancer development. Thus, finding protein kinases that are responsible for the phosphorylation of histones at critical sites is considered an important step in understanding the process of histone modification. The serine/threonine kinase Cot is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase family. We show here that Cot can phosphorylate histone H3 at Ser-10 in vivo and in vitro, and that the phosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser-10 is required for Cot-induced cell transformation. We found that activated Cot is recruited to the c-fos promoter resulting in increased activator protein-1 (AP-1) transactivation. The formation of the Cot-c-fos promoter complex was also apparent when histone H3 was phosphorylated at Ser-10. Furthermore, the use of dominant negative mutants of histone H3 revealed that Cot was required for phosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser-10 to induce neoplastic cell transformation. These results revealed an important function of Cot as a newly discovered histone H3 kinase. Moreover, the transforming ability of Cot results from the coordinated activation of histone H3, which ultimately converges on the regulation of the transcriptional activity of the c-fos promoter, followed by AP-1 transactivation activity.

Multipoint fiber-optic laser-ultrasonic actuator based on fiber core-opened tapers.

PubMed

Tian, Jiajun; Dong, Xiaolong; Gao, Shimin; Yao, Yong

2017-11-27

In this study, a novel fiber-optic, multipoint, laser-ultrasonic actuator based on fiber core-opened tapers (COTs) is proposed and demonstrated. The COTs were fabricated by splicing single-mode fibers using a standard fiber splicer. A COT can effectively couple part of a core mode into cladding modes, and the coupling ratio can be controlled by adjusting the taper length. Such characteristics are used to obtain a multipoint, laser-ultrasonic actuator with balanced signal strength by reasonably controlling the taper lengths of the COTs. As a prototype, we constructed an actuator that generated ultrasound at four points with a balanced ultrasonic strength by connecting four COTs with coupling ratios of 24.5%, 33.01%, 49.51%, and 87.8% in a fiber link. This simple-to-fabricate, multipoint, laser-ultrasonic actuator with balanced ultrasound signal strength has potential applications in fiber-optic ultrasound testing technology.

High Available COTS Based Computer for Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, J.; Magistrati, Giorgio

2015-09-01

The availability and reliability factors of a system are central requirements of a target application. From a simple fuel injection system used in cars up to a flight control system of an autonomous navigating spacecraft, each application defines its specific availability factor under the target application boundary conditions. Increasing quality requirements on data processing systems used in space flight applications calling for new architectures to fulfill the availability, reliability as well as the increase of the required data processing power. Contrary to the increased quality request simplification and use of COTS components to decrease costs while keeping the interface compatibility to currently used system standards are clear customer needs. Data processing system design is mostly dominated by strict fulfillment of the customer requirements and reuse of available computer systems were not always possible caused by obsolescence of EEE-Parts, insufficient IO capabilities or the fact that available data processing systems did not provide the required scalability and performance.

Antibiotic resistant salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from indigenous Gallus domesticus in Nairobi, Kenya.

PubMed

Wesonga, S M; Muluvi, G M; Okemo, P O; Kariuki, S

2010-05-01

To characterise and investigate antimicrobial resistance of Esherichia coli and salmonella strains isolated from indigenous Gallus gallus in a leading slaughterhouse/market outlet in Nairobi-Kenya. A repeated cross sectional study and based on random sampling was used. The study was carried out in a leading market outlet in Nairobi, Kenya. A hundred and four indigenous chicken rectal swabs were analysed, of which 67.3% were contaminated with Escherichia coli and 12.5% with Salmonella typhimurium. Seventy Escherichia coli isolates showed resistance phenotypes to one, two or more antibiotics. The most common antimicrobial resistance pattern was the single resistance to Tet (21.43%), followed by Amp Cot Tet (14%), Aug Amp Cot Tet (4.29%), Aug Amp Cot Tet Kan Chl (2.86%), Amp Cot Tet Chl, Cot Tet (2.86%) and Crx Amp Cot Tet Chl, Crx Amp Cot Chi, Amp Cot, Aug Amp, (1.43%) respectively. The highest rate of resistance was against Tet (55.7%), followed by Cot (40%). Third in line of resistance was Amp 32.86%, followed by Aug (11.43%), low or moderate resistance was against Chl (8.57%), Kan (4.29%), and Crx (2.86%) (P<0.0002). Salmonella typhimurium recovered displayed single resistance pattern to Tet (16.67%), Gen Cot Tet (8.33%), Amp Cot Tet (8.33%), Aug Amp Cot Tet (8.33%) and Amp Cot Tet Chl (16.67%). The highest resistance was against Tet (58.3%), Cot (41.7%), Amp (33.3%), Chl (16.7%), Aug and Gen (8.3%) respectively (P<0.0001). 3.0kb and 5.6kb plasmids isolated were not transferable by conjugation. Routine surveillance at slaughter/market outlets of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica should be done to identify infected flocks as a regulatory procedure for food safety and security programme.

Rhipicephalus microplus dataset of nonredundant raw sequence reads from 454 GS FLX sequencing of Cot-selected (Cot = 660) genomic DNA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A reassociation kinetics-based approach was used to reduce the complexity of genomic DNA from the Deutsch laboratory strain of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, to facilitate genome sequencing. Selected genomic DNA (Cot value = 660) was sequenced using 454 GS FLX technology, resulting in 356...

Goal Structuring Notation in a Radiation Hardening Assurance Case for COTS-Based Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witulski, A.; Austin, R.; Evans, J.; Mahadevan, N.; Karsai, G.; Sierawski, B.; LaBel, K.; Reed, R.

2016-01-01

The attached presentation is a summary of how mission assurance is supported by model-based representations of spacecraft systems that can define sub-system functionality and interfacing, reliability parameters, as well as detailing a new paradigm for assurance, a model-centric and not document-centric process.

Assurance of COTS Boards for Space Flight. Part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plante, Jeannette; Helmold, Norm; Eveland, Clay

1998-01-01

Space Flight hardware and software designers are increasingly turning to Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) products in hopes of meeting the demands imposed on them by projects with short development cycle times. The Technology Validation Assurance (TVA) team at NASA GSFC has embarked on applying a method for inserting COTS hardware into the Spartan 251 spacecraft. This method includes Procurement, Characterization, Ruggedization/Remediation and Verification Testing process steps which are intended to increase the uses confidence in the hardware's ability to function in the intended application for the required duration. As this method is refined with use, it has the potential for becoming a benchmark for industry-wide use of COTS in high reliability systems.

Cot/tpl2 (MAP3K8) mediates myeloperoxidase activity and hypernociception following peripheral inflammation.

PubMed

Soria-Castro, Irene; Krzyzanowska, Agnieszka; Pelaéz, Marta López; Regadera, Javier; Ferrer, Gema; Montoliu, Lluis; Rodríguez-Ramos, Rosario; Fernández, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2010-10-29

Cot/tpl2 (also known as MAP3K8) has emerged as a new and potentially interesting therapeutic anti-inflammatory target. Here, we report the first study of Cot/tpl2 involvement in acute peripheral inflammation in vivo. Six hours after an intraplantar injection of zymosan, Cot/tpl2(-/-) mice showed a 47% reduction in myeloperoxidase activity, concomitant with a 46% lower neutrophil recruitment and a 40% decreased luminol-mediated bioluminescence imaging in vivo. Accordingly, Cot/tpl2 deficiency provoked a 25-30% reduction in luminol-mediated bioluminescence and neutrophil recruitment together with a 65% lower macrophage recruitment 4 h following zymosan-induced peritonitis. Significantly impaired levels of G-CSF and GM-CSF and of other cytokines such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as some chemokines such as MCP-1, MIP-1β, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine, were detected during the acute zymosan-induced intraplantar inflammatory response in Cot/tpl2(-/-) mice. Moreover, Cot/tpl2 deficiency dramatically decreased the production of the hypernociceptive ligand NGF at the inflammatory site during the course of inflammation. Most importantly, Cot/tpl2 deficiency significantly reduced zymosan-induced inflammatory hypernociception in mice, with a most pronounced effect of a 50% decrease compared with wild type (WT) at 24 h following intraplantar injection of zymosan. At this time, Cot/tpl2(-/-) mice showed significantly reduced NGF, TNFα, and prostaglandin E(2) levels compared with WT littermates. In conclusion, our study demonstrates an important role of Cot/tpl2 in the NGF, G-CSF, and GM-CSF production and myeloperoxidase activity in the acute inflammatory response process and its implication in inflammatory hypernociception.

Use of COTS Batteries on ISS and Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeevarajan, Judith A.

2004-01-01

This presentation focuses on COTS Battery testing for energy content, toxicity, hazards, failures modes and controls for different battery chemistries. It also discusses the current program requirements, challenges with COTS Batteries in manned vehicle COTS methodology, JSC test details, and gives a list of incidents from consumer protection safety commissions. The Battery test process involved testing new batteries for engineering certification, qualification of batteries, flight acceptance, cell and battery, environment, performance and abuse. Their conclusions and recommendations were that: high risk is undertaken with the use of COTS batteries, hazard control verification is required to allow the use of these batteries on manned space flights, failures during use cannot be understood if different scenarios of failure are not tested on the ground, and that testing is performed on small sample numbers due to restrictions on cost and time. They recommend testing of large sample size to gain more confidence in the operation of the hazard controls.

Three-dimensional Seismic Survey of the Continental-Ocean Transition Zone of the Northern South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, M.; Wang, Q.; Sibuet, J. C.; Sun, L.; Sun, Z.; Qiu, X.

2017-12-01

The South China Sea (SCS) is one of the largest marginal seas in the western Pacific, which has experienced extension, rifting, breakup, post-spreading magmatism on its northern margin during the Cenozoic era. The complexity of this margin is exacerbated by rifting and seafloor spreading processes, which developed at the expenses of the subducting proto-South China Sea. Based on Sun et al. (2014, 2016) proposals, 6 sites were drilled on the northern SCS margin from February to June 2017, during IODP Expeditions 367/368. The preliminary results indicate that the width of the COT is about 20 km and is different from the typical magma-poor Iberia margin whose width is around 100 km. The combination of three-dimensional (3D) Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) refractive survey with IODP drilling results, will improve the drilling achievement and greatly contribute to the understanding of the specific mechanism of rifting and breakup processes of the northern SCS. In particular, it is expected to constrain: 1) the nature of the crust in the COT, 2) the degree of serpentinization of the upper mantle beneath the COT, and 3) the 3D extension of the COT, the oceanic crust and the serpentinized mantle. We firstly carry out the resolution tests and calculate the interval of OBSs using a ray tracing and travel time modelling software. 7-km interval between OBSs is the optimal interval for the resolution tests and ray coverage, which will provide optimal constraints for the characterization of the 20-km wide COT. The 3D seismic survey will be carried out in 2018. The design of the OBSs arrangement and the location of shooting lines are extremely important. At present, we propose 5 main profiles and 14 shooting lines along the multi-channel seismic lines already acquired in the vicinity of the 6 drilling sites. Any comments and suggestions concerning the OBSs arrangement will be appreciated. This work is supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (contracts 91428204, 41576070 and 41176053). Key words: Continental-ocean transition zone (COT); 3D refraction survey; IODP Expeditions 367/368; nature of crust.

Occurrence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in the Beef Cattle Production and Processing Continuum.

PubMed

Schmidt, John W; Agga, Getahun E; Bosilevac, Joseph M; Brichta-Harhay, Dayna M; Shackelford, Steven D; Wang, Rong; Wheeler, Tommy L; Arthur, Terrance M

2015-01-01

Specific concerns have been raised that third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC(r)) Escherichia coli, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant (COT(r)) E. coli, 3GC(r) Salmonella enterica, and nalidixic acid-resistant (NAL(r)) S. enterica may be present in cattle production environments, persist through beef processing, and contaminate final products. The prevalences and concentrations of these organisms were determined in feces and hides (at feedlot and processing plant), pre-evisceration carcasses, and final carcasses from three lots of fed cattle (n = 184). The prevalences and concentrations were further determined for strip loins from 103 of the carcasses. 3GC(r) Salmonella was detected on 7.6% of hides during processing and was not detected on the final carcasses or strip loins. NAL(r) S. enterica was detected on only one hide. 3GC(r) E. coli and COT(r) E. coli were detected on 100.0% of hides during processing. Concentrations of 3GC(r) E. coli and COT(r) E. coli on hides were correlated with pre-evisceration carcass contamination. 3GC(r) E. coli and COT(r) E. coli were each detected on only 0.5% of final carcasses and were not detected on strip loins. Five hundred and 42 isolates were screened for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) virulence-associated markers. Only two COT(r) E. coli isolates from hides were ExPEC, indicating that fed cattle products are not a significant source of ExPEC causing human urinary tract infections. The very low prevalences of these organisms on final carcasses and their absence on strip loins demonstrate that current sanitary dressing procedures and processing interventions are effective against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Aerial release of bacteria from cot mattress materials and the sudden infant death syndrome.

PubMed

Sherburn, R E; Jenkins, R O

2005-01-01

To investigate aerial release of bacteria from used cot mattresses and to assess factors that may influence this process. Movement on used mattresses, simulating that of an infant's head, significantly enhanced aerial release of naturally acquired bacteria from the polyurethane foams (total count data, P = 0.008; Staphylococcus aureus, P = 0.004) or from polyvinyl chloride covers (total count data, P = 0.001). Aerial release of naturally acquired bacteria from used cot mattresses showed high variability and was poorly correlated (R2 < or = 0.294) with bacterial cell density within the materials. In experiments involving inoculation of S. aureus and Escherichia coli onto the polyurethane of unused cot mattresses, aerial release of the species correlated well (R2 > or = 0.950) with inoculation density when simulated infant head movement was applied. Aerial release of these bacterial species from the material decreased with increase in width or aqueous content of the material, and was lower from polyurethane foam of a used cot mattress. Simulated infant movement and mattress related factors influence aerial release of bacteria from cot mattress materials. With simulated infant movement on cot mattress polyurethane foam, levels of airborne bacteria above the material are proportional to bacterial population levels inoculated onto the material. Cot mattresses harbouring relatively high levels of naturally acquired toxigenic bacteria, such as S. aureus, could pose a relatively high risk of infection to the infant's respiratory tract through increased aerial contamination. This has impact in the context of recent findings on cot mattress related risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome.

COTS/CRS: KSC Evolving Host Initiatives with Commercial Space Partners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yohpe, Megan

2010-01-01

NASA's Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Office (C3PO) leads the agency's commercial efforts to stimulate United States private companies as the shuttle program comes to a close. Through the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, two companies, SpaceX and Orbital, were selected to demonstrate their ability to perform flights to the International Space Station. The Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) Project leverages off the COTS experience, and awarded these two private companies contracts to resupply the International Space Station after shuttle fly out. As a 2010 summer intern, I supported the COTS/CRS team in their team meetings, attended and contributed to project discussions and planning, and assisted in developing visual representations for the variety of processes and organizational endeavors required for the program to run smoothly. One aspect of the COTS/CRS program gives the involved private companies the opportunity to request available services from Kennedy Space Center (KSC); one of my projects included assisting in the development of a related Task Order Request (TOR) process. In addition, an integral part of the project was to maintain and enhance the team database for processing the variety of TORS. My experience in the project gave me great insight into the growing field of commercial space activities. The development of the TOR process involved coordinating representatives from a variety of backgrounds at KSC. A clear and concise visual representation of the TOR process in the form of a flow chart was necessary to successfully implement a task order request from one of NASA's commercial partners. The goals of the process charts were to communicate the team's ideas and foster a common thought process while at the same time allow the process to grow and evolve. It was critical that the requests from the private companies were addressed quickly and thoroughly as the process developed this summer is expected to have extensive future use.

Software Assurance Competency Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

COTS) software , and software as a service ( SaaS ). L2: Define and analyze risks in the acquisition of contracted software , COTS software , and SaaS ...2010a]: Application of technologies and processes to achieve a required level of confidence that software systems and services function in the...

The Elements of an Effective Software Development Plan - Software Development Process Guidebook

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-11

standards and practices required for all XMPL software development. This SDP implements the <corporate> Standard Software Process (SSP). as tailored...Developing and integrating reusable software products • Approach to managing COTS/Reuse software implementation • COTS/Reuse software selection...final selection and submit to change board for approval MAINTENANCE Monitor current products for obsolescence or end of support Track new

A Spore Coat Protein, CotS, of Bacillus subtilis Is Synthesized under the Regulation of ςK and GerE during Development and Is Located in the Inner Coat Layer of Spores

PubMed Central

Takamatsu, Hiromu; Chikahiro, Yukari; Kodama, Takeko; Koide, Hidekatsu; Kozuka, Satoshi; Tochikubo, Kunio; Watabe, Kazuhito

1998-01-01

The spore coat of Bacillus subtilis has a unique morphology and consists of polypeptides of different sizes, whose synthesis and assembly are precisely regulated by a cascade of transcription factors and regulatory proteins. We examined the factors that regulate cotS gene expression and CotS assembly into the coat layer of B. subtilis by Northern blot and Western blot analysis. Transcription of cotS mRNA was not detected in sporulating cells of ςK and gerE mutants by Northern blot analysis. By Western blot analysis using anti-CotS antibody, CotS was first detected in protein samples solubilized from wild-type cells at 5 h after the start of sporulation. CotS was not detected in the vegetative cells and spores of a gerE mutant or in the spores of mutants deficient in ςE, ςF, ςG, or ςK. CotS was detected in the sporangium but not in the spores of a cotE mutant. The sequence of the promoter region of cotS was similar to the consensus sequences for binding of ςK and GerE. These results demonstrate that ςK and GerE are required for cotS expression and that CotE is essential for the assembly of CotS in the coat. Immunoelectron microscopic observation using anti-CotS antibody revealed that CotS is located within the spore coat, in particular in the inner coats of dormant spores. PMID:9603889

Identification of a novel human kinase supporter of Ras (hKSR-2) that functions as a negative regulator of Cot (Tpl2) signaling.

PubMed

Channavajhala, Padma L; Wu, Leeying; Cuozzo, John W; Hall, J Perry; Liu, Wei; Lin, Lih-Ling; Zhang, Yuhua

2003-11-21

Kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR) is an integral and conserved component of the Ras signaling pathway. Although KSR is a positive regulator of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway, the role of KSR in Cot-mediated MAPK activation has not been identified. The serine/threonine kinase Cot (also known as Tpl2) is a member of the MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family that is known to regulate oncogenic and inflammatory pathways; however, the mechanism(s) of its regulation are not precisely known. In this report, we identify an 830-amino acid novel human KSR, designated hKSR-2, using predictions from genomic data base mining based on the structural profile of the KSR kinase domain. We show that, similar to the known human KSR, hKSR-2 co-immunoprecipitates with many signaling components of the Ras/MAPK pathway, including Ras, Raf, MEK-1, and ERK-1/2. In addition, we demonstrate that hKSR-2 co-immunoprecipitates with Cot and that co-expression of hKSR-2 with Cot significantly reduces Cot-mediated MAPK and NF-kappaB activation. This inhibition is specific to Cot, because Ras-induced ERK and IkappaB kinase-induced NF-kappaB activation are not significantly affected by hKSR-2 co-expression. Moreover, Cot-induced interleukin-8 production in HeLa cells is almost completely inhibited by the concurrent expression of hKSR-2, whereas transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)/TAK1-binding protein 1 (TAB1)-induced interleukin-8 production is not affected by hKSR-2 co-expression. Taken together, these results indicate that hKSR-2, a new member of the KSR family, negatively regulates Cot-mediated MAP kinase and NF-kappaB pathway signaling.

The immunological characteristics and probiotic function of recombinant Bacillus subtilis spore expressing Clonorchis sinensis cysteine protease.

PubMed

Tang, Zeli; Shang, Mei; Chen, Tingjin; Ren, Pengli; Sun, Hengchang; Qu, Hongling; Lin, Zhipeng; Zhou, Lina; Yu, Jinyun; Jiang, Hongye; Zhou, Xinyi; Li, Xuerong; Huang, Yan; Xu, Jin; Yu, Xinbing

2016-12-19

Clonorchiasis, a food-borne zoonosis, is caused by Clonorchis sinensis. The intestinal tract and bile ducts are crucial places for C. sinensis metacercariae to develop into adult worms. The endospore of Bacillus subtilis is an ideal oral immunization vehicle for delivery of heterologous antigens to intestine. Cysteine protease of C. sinensis (CsCP) is an endogenous key component in the excystment of metacercariae and other physiological or pathological processes. We constructed a fusion gene of CotC (a coat protein)-CsCP and obtained B. subtilis spores with recombinant plasmid of pEB03-CotC-CsCP (B.s-CotC-CsCP). CotC-CsCP expressed on spores' surface was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Immunological characteristics of recombinant spore coat protein were evaluated in a mouse model. The levels of CsCP-specific antibodies were detected by ELISA. Effects of recombinant spores on mouse intestine were evaluated by histological staining. The activities of biochemical enzymes in serum were assayed by microplate. Liver sections of infected mice were evaluated by Ishak score after Masson's trichrome. The B.s-CotC-CsCP spores displayed CsCP on their coat. Specific IgG and isotypes were significantly induced by coat proteins of B.s-CotC-CsCP spores after subcutaneous immunization. IgA levels in intestinal mucus and bile of B.s-CotC-CsCP orally treated mice significantly increased. Additionally, more IgA-secreting cells were observed in enteraden and lamina propria regions of the mouse jejunum, and an increased amount of acidic mucins in intestines were also observed. There were no significant differences in enzyme levels of serum among groups. No inflammatory injury was observed in the intestinal tissues of each group. The degree of liver fibrosis was significantly reduced after oral immunization with B.s-CotC-CsCP spores. Bacillus subtilis spores maintained the original excellent immunogenicity of CsCP expressed on their surface. Both local and systemic specific immune responses were elicited by oral administration of B.s-CotC-CsCP spores. The spores effectively promoted intestinal health by inducing secretion of acidic mucins, with no other side effects to the liver or intestine. Oral administration of spores expressing CsCP could provide effective protection against C. sinensis. This study may be a cornerstone for development of antiparasitic agents or vaccines against clonorchiasis based on B. subtilis spore expressing CsCP on the surface.

The Context Oriented Training Method.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavrini, Andrea

The Context Oriented Training (COT) method is introduced and explored in this paper. COT is a means of improving the training process, beginning with the observation and analysis of current corporate experiences in the field. The learning context lies between the development of professional competencies in training and the operational side in the…

Expression and display of UreA of Helicobacter acinonychis on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spores.

PubMed

Hinc, Krzysztof; Isticato, Rachele; Dembek, Marcin; Karczewska, Joanna; Iwanicki, Adam; Peszyńska-Sularz, Grazyna; De Felice, Maurilio; Obuchowski, Michał; Ricca, Ezio

2010-01-18

The bacterial endospore (spore) has recently been proposed as a new surface display system. Antigens and enzymes have been successfully exposed on the surface layers of the Bacillus subtilis spore, but only in a few cases the efficiency of expression and the effective surface display and have been determined. We used this heterologous expression system to produce the A subunit of the urease of the animal pathogen Helicobater acinonychis. Ureases are multi-subunit enzymes with a central role in the virulence of various bacterial pathogens and necessary for colonization of the gastric mucosa by the human pathogen H. pylori. The urease subunit UreA has been recognized as a major antigen, able to induce high levels of protection against challenge infections. We expressed UreA from H. acinonychis on the B. subtilis spore coat by using three different spore coat proteins as carriers and compared the efficiency of surface expression and surface display obtained with the three carriers. A combination of western-, dot-blot and immunofluorescence microscopy allowed us to conclude that, when fused to CotB, UreA is displayed on the spore surface (ca. 1 x 10(3) recombinant molecules per spore), whereas when fused to CotC, although most efficiently expressed (7-15 x 10(3) recombinant molecules per spore) and located in the coat layer, it is not displayed on the surface. Experiments with CotG gave results similar to those with CotC, but the CotG-UreA recombinant protein appeared to be partially processed. UreA was efficiently expressed on the spore coat of B. subtilis when fused to CotB, CotC or CotG. Of these three coat proteins CotC allows the highest efficiency of expression, whereas CotB is the most appropriate for the display of heterologous proteins on the spore surface.

Security Verification Techniques Applied to PatchLink COTS Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilliam, David P.; Powell, John D.; Bishop, Matt; Andrew, Chris; Jog, Sameer

2006-01-01

Verification of the security of software artifacts is a challenging task. An integrated approach that combines verification techniques can increase the confidence in the security of software artifacts. Such an approach has been developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the University of California at Davis (UC Davis). Two security verification instruments were developed and then piloted on PatchLink's UNIX Agent, a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software product, to assess the value of the instruments and the approach. The two instruments are the Flexible Modeling Framework (FMF) -- a model-based verification instrument (JPL), and a Property-Based Tester (UC Davis). Security properties were formally specified for the COTS artifact and then verified using these instruments. The results were then reviewed to determine the effectiveness of the approach and the security of the COTS product.

Refined identification of Vibrio bacterial flora from Acanthasther planci based on biochemical profiling and analysis of housekeeping genes.

PubMed

Rivera-Posada, J A; Pratchett, M; Cano-Gomez, A; Arango-Gomez, J D; Owens, L

2011-09-09

We used a polyphasic approach for precise identification of bacterial flora (Vibrionaceae) isolated from crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) from Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia) and Guam (U.S.A., Western Pacific Ocean). Previous 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis was useful to allocate and identify isolates within the Photobacterium, Splendidus and Harveyi clades but failed in the identification of Vibrio harveyi-like isolates. Species of the V harveyi group have almost indistinguishable phenotypes and genotypes, and thus, identification by standard biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene analysis is commonly inaccurate. Biochemical profiling and sequence analysis of additional topA and mreB housekeeping genes were carried out for definitive identification of 19 bacterial isolates recovered from sick and wild COTS. For 8 isolates, biochemical profiles and topA and mreB gene sequence alignments with the closest relatives (GenBank) confirmed previous 16S rRNA-based identification: V. fortis and Photobacterium eurosenbergii species (from wild COTS), and V natriegens (from diseased COTS). Further phylogenetic analysis based on topA and mreB concatenated sequences served to identify the remaining 11 V harveyi-like isolates: V. owensii and V. rotiferianus (from wild COTS), and V. owensii, V. rotiferianus, and V. harveyi (from diseased COTS). This study further confirms the reliability of topA-mreB gene sequence analysis for identification of these close species, and it reveals a wider distribution range of the potentially pathogenic V. harveyi group.

Calibration of a COTS Integration Cost Model Using Local Project Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boland, Dillard; Coon, Richard; Byers, Kathryn; Levitt, David

1997-01-01

The software measures and estimation techniques appropriate to a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) integration project differ from those commonly used for custom software development. Labor and schedule estimation tools that model COTS integration are available. Like all estimation tools, they must be calibrated with the organization's local project data. This paper describes the calibration of a commercial model using data collected by the Flight Dynamics Division (FDD) of the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center (GSFC). The model calibrated is SLIM Release 4.0 from Quantitative Software Management (QSM). By adopting the SLIM reuse model and by treating configuration parameters as lines of code, we were able to establish a consistent calibration for COTS integration projects. The paper summarizes the metrics, the calibration process and results, and the validation of the calibration.

Cot kinase plays a critical role in Helicobacter pylori-induced IL-8 expression.

PubMed

Jang, Sungil; Kim, Jinmoon; Cha, Jeong-Heon

2017-04-01

Helicobacter pylori is a major pathogen causing various gastric diseases including gastric cancer. Infection of H. pylori induces pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells in the initial inflammatory process. It has been known that H. pylori can modulate Ras-Raf-Mek-Erk signal pathway for IL-8 induction. Recently, it has been shown that another signal molecule, cancer Osaka thyroid oncogene/tumor progression locus 2 (Cot/Tpl2) kinase, activates Mek and Erk and plays a role in the Erk pathway, similar to MAP3K signal molecule Raf kinase. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether Cot kinase might be involved in IL-8 induction caused by H. pylori infection. AGS gastric epithelial cells were infected by H. pylori strain G27 or its isogenic mutants lacking cagA or type IV secretion system followed by treatment with Cot kinase inhibitor (KI) or siRNA specific for Cot kinase. Activation of Erk was assessed by Western blot analysis and expression of IL-8 was measured by ELISA. Treatment with Cot KI reduced both transient and sustained Erk activation. It also reduced early and late IL-8 secretion in the gastric epithelial cell line. Furthermore, siRNA knockdown of Cot inhibited early and late IL-8 secretion induced by H. pylori infection. Taken together, these results suggest that Cot kinase might play a critical role in H. pylori type IV secretion apparatus-dependent early IL-8 secretion and CagA-dependent late IL-8 secretion as an alternative signaling molecule in the Erk pathway.

The Sunset Supply Base: Long Term COTS Supportability, Implementing Affordable Methods and Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-03-01

7 D. BENEFITS OF THE SSB SYSTEM...69 Table 11: Summary of SSB Financial and Non-Financial Benefits ................................. 73 Table 12: Alignment with...SSB Specific Goals to Derived Benefits ................................ 74 xi THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK xii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND

Use of COTS in the Multimission Advanced Ground Intelligent Control (MAGIC) program

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

Crowley, N.L.

1997-11-01

This tutorial will discuss the experiences of the Space System Technologies Division of the USAF Phillips Laboratory (PL/VTS) in developing a COTS-based satellite control system. The system`s primary use is a testbed for new technologies that are intended for future integration into the operational satellite control system. As such, the control system architecture must be extremely open and flexible so we can integrate new components and functions easily and also provide our system to contractors for their component work. The system is based on commercial hardware, is based on Windows NT, and makes the maximum use of COTS components andmore » industry standards.« less

The Design of a Fault-Tolerant COTS-Based Bus Architecture for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chau, Savio N.; Alkalai, Leon; Tai, Ann T.

2000-01-01

The high-performance, scalability and miniaturization requirements together with the power, mass and cost constraints mandate the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components and standards in the X2000 avionics system architecture for deep-space missions. In this paper, we report our experiences and findings on the design of an IEEE 1394 compliant fault-tolerant COTS-based bus architecture. While the COTS standard IEEE 1394 adequately supports power management, high performance and scalability, its topological criteria impose restrictions on fault tolerance realization. To circumvent the difficulties, we derive a "stack-tree" topology that not only complies with the IEEE 1394 standard but also facilitates fault tolerance realization in a spaceborne system with limited dedicated resource redundancies. Moreover, by exploiting pertinent standard features of the 1394 interface which are not purposely designed for fault tolerance, we devise a comprehensive set of fault detection mechanisms to support the fault-tolerant bus architecture.

Development of a COTS Mass Storage Unit for the Space Readiness Coherent Lidar Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liggin, Karl; Clark, Porter

1999-01-01

The technology to develop a Mass Storage Unit (MSU) using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hard drives is an on-going challenge to meet the Space Readiness Coherent Lidar Experiment (SPARCLE) program requirements. A conceptual view of SPARCLE's laser collecting atmospheric data from the shuttle is shown in Figure 1. The determination to develop this technology required several in depth studies before an actual COTS hard drive was selected to continue this effort. Continuing the development of the MSU can, and will, serve future NASA programs that require larger data storage and more on-board processing.

Transcriptome Analysis of Neonatal Larvae after Hyperthermia-Induced Seizures in the Contractile Silkworm, Bombyx mori

PubMed Central

Nie, Hongyi; Liu, Chun; Zhang, Yinxia; Zhou, Mengting; Huang, Xiaofeng; Peng, Li; Xia, Qingyou

2014-01-01

The ability to respond quickly and efficiently to transient extreme environmental conditions is an important property of all biota. However, the physiological basis of thermotolerance in different species is still unclear. Here, we found that the cot mutant showed a seizure phenotype including contraction of the body, rolling, vomiting gut juice and a momentary cessation of movement, and the heartbeat rhythm of the dorsal vessel significantly increases after hyperthermia. To comprehensively understand this process at the molecular level, the transcriptomic profile of cot mutant, which is a behavior mutant that exhibits a seizure phenotype, was investigated after hyperthermia (42°C) that was induced for 5 min. By digital gene expression profiling, we determined the gene expression profile of three strains (cot/cot ok/ok, +/+ ok/ok and +/+ +/+) under hyperthermia (42°C) and normal (25°C) conditions. A Venn diagram showed that the most common differentially expressed genes (DEGs, FDR<0.01 and log2 Ratio≥1) were up-regulated and annotated with the heat shock proteins (HSPs) in 3 strains after treatment with hyperthermia, suggesting that HSPs rapidly increased in response to high temperature; 110 unique DEGs, could be identified in the cot mutant after inducing hyperthermia when compared to the control strains. Of these 110 unique DEGs, 98.18% (108 genes) were up-regulated and 1.82% (two genes) were down-regulated in the cot mutant. KEGG pathways analysis of these unique DEGs suggested that the top three KEGG pathways were “Biotin metabolism,” “Fatty acid biosynthesis” and “Purine metabolism,” implying that diverse metabolic processes are active in cot mutant induced-hyperthermia. Unique DEGs of interest were mainly involved in the ubiquitin system, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes, cardiac excitation–contraction coupling or the Notch signaling pathway. Insights into hyperthermia-induced alterations in gene expression and related pathways could yield hints for understanding the relationship between behaviors and environmental stimuli (hyperthermia) in insects. PMID:25423472

Atomic force microscopy imaging and single molecule recognition force spectroscopy of coat proteins on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spore.

PubMed

Tang, Jilin; Krajcikova, Daniela; Zhu, Rong; Ebner, Andreas; Cutting, Simon; Gruber, Hermann J; Barak, Imrich; Hinterdorfer, Peter

2007-01-01

Coat assembly in Bacillus subtilis serves as a tractable model for the study of the self-assembly process of biological structures and has a significant potential for use in nano-biotechnological applications. In the present study, the morphology of B. subtilis spores was investigated by magnetically driven dynamic force microscopy (MAC mode atomic force microscopy) under physiological conditions. B. subtilis spores appeared as prolate structures, with a length of 0.6-3 microm and a width of about 0.5-2 microm. The spore surface was mainly covered with bump-like structures with diameters ranging from 8 to 70 nm. Besides topographical explorations, single molecule recognition force spectroscopy (SMRFS) was used to characterize the spore coat protein CotA. This protein was specifically recognized by a polyclonal antibody directed against CotA (anti-CotA), the antibody being covalently tethered to the AFM tip via a polyethylene glycol linker. The unbinding force between CotA and anti-CotA was determined as 55 +/- 2 pN. From the high-binding probability of more than 20% in force-distance cycles it is concluded that CotA locates in the outer surface of B. subtilis spores. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The development of CotA mediator cocktail system for dyes decolorization.

PubMed

Luo, S; Xie, T; Liu, Z; Sun, F; Wang, G

2018-05-01

The increasing use of dyes leads to serious environmental concerns, it is significant to explore eco-friendly and economic approaches for dye decolorization. This study aimed to develop mediator cocktail (AS and ABTS) for enhancing the capability of laccase-mediator system in the removal of dyes. By mediator screening, the mediators of ABTS and AS (ABTS, 2, 2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazo-thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid); AS, acetosyringone) were combined for dyes decolorization. The Box-Behnken Design and response surface analysis was performed to optimize experiment conditions. Comparing the CotA-ABTS-AS cocktail system with CotA-single mediator system showed that the coupling of ABTS and AS could increase the decolorization rate 15 times higher, save a third of the cost and shorten the reaction time by 50%. In addition, our studies revealed that sequential oxidation may occur in CotA-ABTS-AS system. Compared with CotA laccase-single mediator system, the CotA-ABTS-AS cocktail system showed advantages including higher efficiency, lower cost and shorter reaction time. This was the first report on the dyes decolorization by laccase mediator cocktail system. These results paved the curb for the application of laccase mediator system in various industrial processes. © 2018 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Differential regulation of p65 and c-Rel NF-kappaB transactivating activity by Cot, protein kinase C zeta and NIK protein kinases in CD3/CD28 activated T cells.

PubMed

Sánchez-Valdepeñas, Carmen; Punzón, Carmen; San-Antonio, Belén; Martin, Angel G; Fresno, Manuel

2007-03-01

It has been shown that phosphorylation of p65/RelA and c-Rel plays a role in the regulation of transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB independent on IkappaB degradation. In this study, we show that anti CD3/CD28 activation induces the transactivation activity of both p65/RelA and c-Rel in T cells using Gal4 dependent assays. Moreover, protein kinase C (PKC)zeta, Cot kinase and NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) seem to be involved in those processes in a different manner. Thus, transfection of dominant negative forms of Cot and PKCzeta inhibits CD3/CD28 induction of Gal4-p65 transactivation, whereas the kinase inactive versions of the 3 kinases inhibit induction of Gal4-c-Rel. Cot induction of Gal4-c-Rel transactivating activity seems to be mediated sequentially through PKCzeta and NIK activation, since dominant negative form of NIK blocks Cot and PKCzeta induction, whereas kinase inactive PKCzeta only blocks Cot activity. In contrast, the contribution of NIK to the transactivation function of p65/RelA seems to be negligible and more importantly NIK-KD did not inhibit induction by Cot and PKCzeta. Besides, the enhancing effect of Cot on Gal4-p65 was not decreased in mouse embryo fibroblasts from NIK deficient aly/aly mice in contrast with a greatest reduction on Gal4-c-Rel. By using Ser to Ala mutants in p65 and c-Rel transactivation domains, PKCzeta and NIK activities seem to be dependent of a restricted set of Ser in both proteins. In contrast, the enhancing effect of Cot seems to be less dependent of a particular set of Ser residues being partially abrogated by mutation of several Ser residues.

Implementation plan for HANDI 2000 TWRS master equipment list

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

BENNION, S.I.

This document presents the implementation plan for an additional deliverable of the HANDI 2000 Project. The PassPort Equipment Data module processes include those portions of the COTS PassPort system required to support tracking and management of the Master Equipment List for Lockheed Martin Hanford Company (LMHC) and custom software created to work with the COTS products.

COTS-based OO-component approach for software inter-operability and reuse (software systems engineering methodology)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yin, J.; Oyaki, A.; Hwang, C.; Hung, C.

2000-01-01

The purpose of this research and study paper is to provide a summary description and results of rapid development accomplishments at NASA/JPL in the area of advanced distributed computing technology using a Commercial-Off--The-Shelf (COTS)-based object oriented component approach to open inter-operable software development and software reuse.

Rifting-to-drifting transition of the South China Sea: Moho reflection characteristics in continental-ocean transition zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Y.; Li, C.

2017-12-01

Dispute remains on the process of continental rifting to subsequent seafloor spreading in the South China Sea (SCS). Several crust-scale multi-channel seismic reflection profiles acquired in the continent-ocean transition zone (COT) of the SCS provide a detailed overview of Moho and deep crustal reflectors and give key information on rifting-to-drifting transition of the area. Moho has strong but discontinuous seismic reflection in COT. These discontinuities are mainly located in the landward side of continent-ocean boundary (COB), and may own to upwelling of lower crustal materials during initial continental extension, leading to numerous volcanic edifices and volcanic ridges. The continental crust in COT shows discontinuous Moho reflections at 11-8.5 s in two-way travel time (twtt), and thins from 18-20.5 km under the uppermost slope to 6-7 km under the lower slope, assuming an average crustal velocity of 6.0 km/s. The oceanic crust has Moho reflections of moderate to high continuity mostly at 1.8-2.2 s twtt below the top of the igneous basement, which means that the crustal thickness excluding sediment layer in COT is 5.4-6.6 km. Subhorizontal Moho reflections are often abruptly interrupted by large seaward dipping normal faults in southern COT but are more continuous compared with the fluctuant and very discontinuous Moho reflections in northern COT. The thickness of thinned continental crust (4.2-4.8 km) is smaller than that of oceanic crust (5.4-6.0 km) near southern COB, indicating that the continental crust has experienced a long period of rifting before seafloor spreading started. The smaller width of northern COT (0-40 km) than in southern COT (0-60 km), and thinner continental crust in southern COT, all indicate that the continental margin rifting and extension was asymmetric. The COT width in the SCS is narrower than that found in other magma-poor continental margins, indicating a swift transition from the final stage of rifting to the inception of normal seafloor spreading.

Crystal structure of CotA laccase complexed with 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) at a novel binding site

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

Liu, Zhongchuan; Xie, Tian; Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of

2016-03-24

The crystal structure of CotA complexed with 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) in a hole motif has been solved; this novel binding site could be a potential structure-based target for protein engineering of CotA laccase. The CotA laccase from Bacillus subtilis is an abundant component of the spore outer coat and has been characterized as a typical laccase. The crystal structure of CotA complexed with 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) in a hole motif has been solved. The novel binding site was about 26 Å away from the T1 binding pocket. Comparison with known structures of other laccases revealed that the hole is a specific feature ofmore » CotA. The key residues Arg476 and Ser360 were directly bound to ABTS. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed that the residues Arg146, Arg429 and Arg476, which are located at the bottom of the novel binding site, are essential for the oxidation of ABTS and syringaldazine. Specially, a Thr480Phe variant was identified to be almost 3.5 times more specific for ABTS than for syringaldazine compared with the wild type. These results suggest this novel binding site for ABTS could be a potential target for protein engineering of CotA laccases.« less

The Global Influence of Cloud Optical Thickness on Terrestrial Carbon Uptake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, P.; Cheng, S. J.; Keppel-Aleks, G.; Butterfield, Z.; Steiner, A. L.

2016-12-01

Clouds play a critical role in regulating Earth's climate. One important way is by changing the type and intensity of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which impacts plant photosynthesis. Specifically, the presence of clouds modifies photosynthesis rates by influencing the amount of diffuse radiation as well as the spectral distribution of solar radiation. Satellite-derived cloud optical thickness (COT) may provide the observational constraint necessary to assess the role of clouds on ecosystems and terrestrial carbon uptake across the globe. Previous studies using ground-based observations at individual sites suggest that below a COT of 7, there is a greater increase in light use efficiency than at higher COT values, providing evidence for higher carbon uptake rates than expected given the reduction in radiation by clouds. However, the strength of the COT-terrestrial carbon uptake correlation across the globe remains unknown. In this study, we investigate the influence of COT on terrestrial carbon uptake on a global scale, which may provide insights into cloud conditions favorable for plant photosynthesis and improve our estimates of the land carbon sink. Global satellite-derived MODIS data show that tropical and subtropical regions tend to have COT values around or below the threshold during growing seasons. We find weak correlations between COT and GPP with Fluxnet MTE global GPP data, which may be due to the uncertainty of upscaling GPP from individual site measurements. Analysis with solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) as a proxy for GPP is also evaluated. Overall, this work constructs a global picture of the role of COT on terrestrial carbon uptake, including its temporal and spatial variations.

PC based PLCs and ethernet based fieldbus: the new standard platform for future VLT instrument control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiekebusch, Mario J.; Lucuix, Christian; Erm, Toomas M.; Chiozzi, Gianluca; Zamparelli, Michele; Kern, Lothar; Brast, Roland; Pirani, Werther; Reiss, Roland; Popovic, Dan; Knudstrup, Jens; Duchateau, Michel; Sandrock, Stefan; Di Lieto, Nicola

2014-07-01

ESO is currently in the final phase of the standardization process for PC-based Programmable Logical Controllers (PLCs) as the new platform for the development of control systems for future VLT/VLTI instruments. The standard solution used until now consists of a Local Control Unit (LCU), a VME-based system having a CPU and commercial and proprietary boards. This system includes several layers of software and many thousands of lines of code developed and maintained in house. LCUs have been used for several years as the interface to control instrument functions but now are being replaced by commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems based on BECKHOFF Embedded PCs and the EtherCAT fieldbus. ESO is working on the completion of the software framework that enables a seamless integration into the VLT control system in order to be ready to support upcoming instruments like ESPRESSO and ERIS, that will be the first fully VLT compliant instruments using the new standard. The technology evaluation and standardization process has been a long and combined effort of various engineering disciplines like electronics, control and software, working together to define a solution that meets the requirements and minimizes the impact on the observatory operations and maintenance. This paper presents the challenges of the standardization process and the steps involved in such a change. It provides a technical overview of how industrial standards like EtherCAT, OPC-UA, PLCOpen MC and TwinCAT can be used to replace LCU features in various areas like software engineering and programming languages, motion control, time synchronization and astronomical tracking.

Cerocene Revisited: The Electronic Structure of and Interconversion Between Ce2(C8H8)3 and Ce(C8H8)2

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

Walter, Marc D.; Booth, Corwin H.; Lukens, Wayne W.

2009-02-02

New synthetic procedures for the preparation of Ce(cot)2, cerocene, from [Li(thf)4][Ce(cot)2], and Ce2(cot)3 in high yield and purity are reported. Heating solid Ce(cot)2 yields Ce2(cot)3 and COT while heating Ce2(cot)3 with an excess of COT in C6D6 to 65oC over four months yields Ce(cot)2. The solid state magnetic susceptibility of these three organocerium compounds shows that Ce(cot)2 behaves as a TIP (temperature independent paramagnet) over the temperature range of 5-300 K, while that of Ce2(cot)3 shows that the spin carriers are antiferromagnetically coupled below 10 K; above 10 K, the individual spins are uncorrelated, and [Ce(cot)2]- behaves as an isolatedmore » f1 paramagnet. The EPR at 1.5K for Ce2(cot)3 and [Ce(cot)2]- have ground state of MJ= +- 1/2. The LIII edge XANES of Ce(cot)2 (Booth, C.H.; Walter, M.D.; Daniel, M.; Lukens, W.W., Andersen, R.A., Phys. Rev. Lett. 2005, 95, 267202) and 2Ce2(cot)3 over 30-500 K are reported; the Ce(cot)2 XANES spectra show Ce(III) and Ce(IV) signatures up to a temperature of approximately 500 K, whereupon the Ce(IV) signature disappears, consistent with the thermal behavior observed in the melting experiment. The EXAFS of Ce(cot)2 and Ce2(cot)3 are reported at 30 K; the agreement between the molecular parameters for Ce(cot)2 derived from EXAFS and single crystal X-ray diffraction data are excellent. In the case of Ce2(cot)3 no X-ray diffraction data are known to exist, but the EXAFS are consistent with a"triple-decker" sandwich structure. A molecular rationalization is presented for the electronic structure of cerocene having a multiconfiguration ground state that is an admixture of the two configurations Ce(III, 4f1)(cot1.5-)2 and Ce(IV, 4f0)(cot2-)2; the multiconfigurational ground state has profound effects on the magnetic properties and on the nature of the chemical bond in cerocene and, perhaps, other molecules.« less

Future manned systems advanced avionics study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawamura, Bob; Radke, Kathie

1992-01-01

COTS+ was defined in this study as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, ruggedized and militarized components, and COTS technology. This study cites the benefits of integrating COTS+ in space, postulates a COTS+ integration methodology, and develops requirements and an architecture to achieve integration. Developmental needs and concerns were identified throughout the study; these needs, concerns, and recommendations relative to their abatement are subsequently presented for further action and study. The COTS+ concept appears workable in part or in totality. No COTS+ technology gaps were identified; however, radiation tolerance was cited as a concern, and the deferred maintenance issue resurfaced. Further study is recommended to explore COTS+ cost-effectiveness, maintenance philosophy, needs, concerns, and utility metrics. The generation of a development plan to further investigate and integrate COTS+ technology is recommended. A COTS+ transitional integration program is recommended. Sponsoring and establishing technology maturation programs and COTS+ engineering and standards committees are deemed necessary and are recommended for furthering COTS+ integration in space.

Trauma system evaluation in developing countries: applicability of American College of Surgeons/Committee on Trauma (ACS/COT) basic criteria.

PubMed

Latifi, Rifat; Ziemba, Michelle; Leppäniemi, Ari; Dasho, Erion; Dogjani, Agron; Shatri, Zhaneta; Kociraj, Agim; Oldashi, Fatos; Shosha, Lida

2014-08-01

Trauma continues to be a major health problem worldwide, particularly in the developing world, with high mortality and morbidity. Yet most developing countries lack an organized trauma system. Furthermore, developing countries do not have in place any accreditation process for trauma centers; thus, no accepted standard assessment tools exist to evaluate their trauma services. The aims of this study were to evaluate the trauma system in Albania, using the basic trauma criteria of the American College of Surgeons/Committee on Trauma (ACS/COT) as assessment tools, and to provide the Government with a situational analysis relative to these criteria. We used the ACS/COT basic criteria as assessment tools to evaluate the trauma system in Albania. We conducted a series of semi-structured interviews, unstructured interviews, and focus groups with all stakeholders at the Ministry of Health, at the University Trauma Hospital (UTH) based in Tirana (the capital city), and at ten regional hospitals across the country. Albania has a dedicated national trauma center that serves as the only tertiary center, plus ten regional hospitals that provide some trauma care. However, overall, its trauma system is in need of major reforms involving all essential elements in order to meet the basic requirements of a structured trauma system. The ACS/COT basic criteria can be used as assessment tools to evaluate trauma care in developing countries. Further studies are needed in other developing countries to validate the applicability of these criteria.

A biomechanical and subjective assessment and comparison of three ambulance cot design configurations.

PubMed

Sommerich, Carolyn M; Lavender, Steven A; Radin Umar, Radin Zaid; Le, Peter; Mehta, Jay; Ko, Pei-Ling; Farfan, Rafael; Dutt, Mohini; Park, SangHyun

2012-01-01

Effects of ambulance cot design features (handle design and leg folding mechanism) were evaluated. Experienced ambulance workers performed tasks simulating loading and unloading a cot to and from an ambulance, and a cot raising task. Muscle activity, ratings of perceived exertion, and performance style were significantly affected by cot condition (p < 0.05). Erector Spinae activity was significantly less when using Cot-2's stretcher-style handles. Shoulder muscle activity was significantly less when using Cot-2's loop handle. During loading and unloading, operators allowed the cot to support its own weight most often with Cot-2's stretcher-style handles. Preference for Cot-2 (either handles) over Cot-1 (with loop handle) was consistent across tasks. Handle effects were influenced by operator stature; taller participants received more benefit from Cot-2's stretcher-style handles; shoulder muscles' demands were greater for shorter participants due to handle location. Providing handle options and automatic leg folding/unfolding operation can reduce cot operator's effort and physical strain. Practitioner Summary: Paramedics frequently incur musculoskeletal injuries associated with patient-handling tasks. A controlled experiment was conducted to assess effects of ambulance cot design features on physical stress of operators, as seen through muscle activity and operator's perceptions. Differences between cots were found, signalling that intentional design can reduce operator's physical stress.

Training Issues Associated with COTS-based Information Intensive Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farr, John V.; Verma, Dinesh

2002-01-01

A literature review and survey responses from 194 information technology and aerospace contractors identified methods and outcomes of training delivery. Results were used to develop a framework for evaluating and selecting commercial off-the-shelf systems (COTS) for operations and maintenance training. (Contains 11 references.) (SK)

CSP: A Multifaceted Hybrid Architecture for Space Computing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudolph, Dylan; Wilson, Christopher; Stewart, Jacob; Gauvin, Patrick; George, Alan; Lam, Herman; Crum, Gary Alex; Wirthlin, Mike; Wilson, Alex; Stoddard, Aaron

2014-01-01

Research on the CHREC Space Processor (CSP) takes a multifaceted hybrid approach to embedded space computing. Working closely with the NASA Goddard SpaceCube team, researchers at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing (CHREC) at the University of Florida and Brigham Young University are developing hybrid space computers that feature an innovative combination of three technologies: commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices, radiation-hardened (RadHard) devices, and fault-tolerant computing. Modern COTS processors provide the utmost in performance and energy-efficiency but are susceptible to ionizing radiation in space, whereas RadHard processors are virtually immune to this radiation but are more expensive, larger, less energy-efficient, and generations behind in speed and functionality. By featuring COTS devices to perform the critical data processing, supported by simpler RadHard devices that monitor and manage the COTS devices, and augmented with novel uses of fault-tolerant hardware, software, information, and networking within and between COTS devices, the resulting system can maximize performance and reliability while minimizing energy consumption and cost. NASA Goddard has adopted the CSP concept and technology with plans underway to feature flight-ready CSP boards on two upcoming space missions.

Risk mitigation process for utilization of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts in CCD camera for military applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Anees; Batcheldor, Scott; Cannon, Steven C.; Roberts, Thomas E.

2002-09-01

This paper presents the lessons learned during the design and development of a high performance cooled CCD camera for military applications utilizing common commercial off the shelf (COTS) parts. Our experience showed that concurrent evaluation and testing of high risk COTS must be performed to assess their performance over the required temperature range and other special product requirements such as fuel vapor compatibility, EMI and shock susceptibility, etc. Technical, cost and schedule risks for COTS parts must also be carefully evaluated. The customer must be involved in the selection and evaluation of such parts so that the performance limitations of the selected parts are clearly understood. It is equally important to check with vendors on the availability and obsolescence of the COTS parts being considered since the electronic components are often replaced by newer, better and cheaper models in a couple of years. In summary, this paper addresses the major benefits and risks associated with using commercial and industrial parts in military products, and suggests a risk mitigation approach to ensure a smooth development phase, and predictable performance from the end product.

Proteomics analysis of immunoprecipitated proteins associated with the oncogenic kinase cot.

PubMed

Wu, Binhui; Wilmouth, R C

2008-02-29

Cancer Osaka thyroid, also known as Tpl-2 (Cot) is a member of the MAP3K kinase family and plays a key role in the regulation of the immune response to pro-inflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). A series of Cot constructs with an N-terminal 6xHis tag were transiently expressed in HEK293 cells: Cot(130-399) (kinase domain), Cot(1-388) (N-terminal and kinase domains), Cot(1-413), Cot(1-438) (containing a putative PEST sequence), Cot(1-457) (containing both PEST and degron sequences) and Cot(1-467) (full-length protein). These Cot proteins were pulled down using an anti-6xHis antibody and separated by 2D electrophoresis. The gels were silver-stained and 21 proteins were detected that did not appear, or had substantially reduced intensity, in the control sample. Three of these were identified by MS and MS/MS analysis as Hsp90, Hsp70 and Grp78. Hsp90 appeared to bind to the kinase domain of Cot and this interaction was further investigated using co-immuno-precipitation with both overexpressed Cot in HEK293 cells and endogenous Cot in Hela cells.

Software Design Methodology Migration for a Distributed Ground System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, George; McNair, Ann R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) Payload Operations Center (POC) ground system has been developed and has evolved over a period of about 10 years. During this time the software processes have migrated from more traditional to more contemporary development processes. The new Software processes still emphasize requirements capture, software configuration management, design documenting, and making sure the products that have been developed are accountable to initial requirements. This paper will give an overview of how the Software Process have evolved highlighting the positives as well as the negatives. In addition, we will mention the COTS tools that have been integrated into the processes and how the COTS have provided value to the project .

Solution identification and quantitative analysis of fiber-capacitive drop analyzer based on multivariate statistical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhe; Qiu, Zurong; Huo, Xinming; Fan, Yuming; Li, Xinghua

2017-03-01

A fiber-capacitive drop analyzer is an instrument which monitors a growing droplet to produce a capacitive opto-tensiotrace (COT). Each COT is an integration of fiber light intensity signals and capacitance signals and can reflect the unique physicochemical property of a liquid. In this study, we propose a solution analytical and concentration quantitative method based on multivariate statistical methods. Eight characteristic values are extracted from each COT. A series of COT characteristic values of training solutions at different concentrations compose a data library of this kind of solution. A two-stage linear discriminant analysis is applied to analyze different solution libraries and establish discriminant functions. Test solutions can be discriminated by these functions. After determining the variety of test solutions, Spearman correlation test and principal components analysis are used to filter and reduce dimensions of eight characteristic values, producing a new representative parameter. A cubic spline interpolation function is built between the parameters and concentrations, based on which we can calculate the concentration of the test solution. Methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and saline solutions are taken as experimental subjects in this paper. For each solution, nine or ten different concentrations are chosen to be the standard library, and the other two concentrations compose the test group. By using the methods mentioned above, all eight test solutions are correctly identified and the average relative error of quantitative analysis is 1.11%. The method proposed is feasible which enlarges the applicable scope of recognizing liquids based on the COT and improves the concentration quantitative precision, as well.

Theoretical analysis of the transition-state spectrum of the cyclooctatetraene unimolecular reaction: Three degree-of-freedom model calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Takahiko; Tokizaki, Chihiro; Takayanagi, Toshiyuki

2015-08-01

A three degree-of-freedom potential energy surface of the cyclooctatetraene (COT) unimolecular reaction that can describe both ring-inversion (D2d ↔ D2d) and double bond-alternation (D4h ↔ D4h) processes was constructed using complete active space self-consistent field calculations. The potential energy surface was used to simulate the experimentally measured transition-state spectrum by calculating the photodetachment spectrum of the COT anion with time-dependent wave packet formalism. The calculated spectrum reproduces the experimental result well. We also analyzed wavefunction properties at spectral peak positions to understand the COT unimolecular reaction dynamics.

Clinical Operational Tolerance After Renal Transplantation

PubMed Central

Orlando, Giuseppe; Hematti, Peiman; Stratta, Robert J.; Burke, George W.; Di Cocco, Pierpaolo; Pisani, Francesco; Soker, Shay; Wood, Kathryn

2015-01-01

In solid organ transplantation, the achievement of an immunosuppression (IS)-free state [also referred to as clinical operational tolerance (COT)] represents the ultimate goal. Although COT is feasible and safe in selected cases after liver transplantation, it is an exceptional finding after other types of solid organ transplantation. In the field of renal transplantation (RT), approximately 100 cases of COT have been reported to date, mainly in patients who were not compliant with their immunosuppressive regimens or in individuals who had previously received a bone marrow transplant for hematological disorders. On the basis of promising results obtained in animal models, several tolerogenic protocols have been attempted in humans, but most have failed to achieve robust and stable COT after RT. Molecule-based regimens have been largely ineffective, whereas cell-based regimens have provided some encouraging results. In these latter regimens, apart from standard IS, patients usually receive perioperative infusion of donor bone marrow–derived stem cells, which are able to interact with the immune cells of the host and mitigate their response to engraftment. Unfortunately, most renal transplant patients who developed acute rejection—occurring either during the weaning protocol or after complete withdrawal of IS—eventually lost their grafts. Currently, the immune monitoring necessary for predicting the presence and persistence of donor-specific unresponsiveness is not available. Overall, the present review will provide a conceptual framework for COT and conclude that stable and robust COT after RT remains an elusive goal and that the different strategies attempted to date are not yet reproducibly safe or effective. PMID:21107102

Differentiating disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with the fibrinolytic phenotype from coagulopathy of trauma and acute coagulopathy of trauma-shock (COT/ACOTS).

PubMed

Gando, S; Wada, H; Thachil, J

2013-05-01

Two concepts have been proposed for the hemostatic changes occurring early after trauma. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with the fibrinolytic phenotype is characterized by activation of the coagulation pathways, insufficient anticoagulant mechanisms and increased fibrinolysis. Coagulopathy of trauma and acute coagulopathy of trauma-shock (COT/ACOTS) occurs as a result of increased activation of the thrombomodulin and protein C pathways, leading to the suppression of coagulation and activation of fibrinolysis. Despite the differences between these two conditions, independent consideration of COT/ACOTS from DIC with the fibrinolytic phenotype is probably incorrect. Robust diagnostic criteria based on its pathophysiology are required to establish COT/ACOTS as a new independent disease concept. In addition, the independency of its characteristics, laboratory data, time courses and prognosis from DIC should be confirmed. Confusion between two concepts may be based on studies of trauma lacking the following: (i) a clear distinction of the properties of blood between the inside and outside of vessels, (ii) a clear distinction between physiologic and pathologic hemostatic changes, (iii) attention to the time courses of the changes in hemostatic parameters, (iv) unification of the study population, and (v) recognition that massive bleeding is not synonymous with coagulation disorders. More information is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of these two entities, DIC with the fibrinolytic phenotype and COT/ACOTS after trauma. However, available data suggest that COT/ACOTS is not a new concept but a disease entity similar to or the same as DIC with the fibrinolytic phenotype. © 2013 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

System-on-chip-centric unattended embedded sensors in homeland security and defense applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jannson, Tomasz; Forrester, Thomas; Degrood, Kevin; Shih, Min-Yi; Walter, Kevin; Lee, Kang; Gans, Eric; Esterkin, Vladimir

2009-05-01

System-on-chip (SoC) single-die electronic integrated circuit (IC) integration has recently been attracting a great deal of attention, due to its high modularity, universality, and relatively low fabrication cost. The SoC also has low power consumption and it is naturally suited to being a base for integration of embedded sensors. Such sensors can run unattended, and can be either commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic, COTS microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), or optical-COTS or produced in house (i.e., at Physical Optics Corporation, POC). In the version with the simplest electronic packaging, they can be integrated with low-power wireless RF that can communicate with a central processing unit (CPU) integrated in-house and installed on the specific platform of interest. Such a platform can be a human body (for e-clothing), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or many others. In this paper we discuss SoC-centric embedded unattended sensors in Homeland Security and military applications, including specific application scenarios (or CONOPS). In one specific example, we analyze an embedded polarization optical sensor produced in house, including generalized Lambertian light-emitting diode (LED) sources and secondary nonimaging optics (NIO).

Software Development and Test Methodology for a Distributed Ground System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, George; Guillebeau, Pat; McNair, Ann R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) Payload Operations Center (POC) ground system has evolved over a period of about 10 years. During this time the software processes have migrated from more traditional to more contemporary development processes in an effort to minimize unnecessary overhead while maximizing process benefits. The Software processes that have evolved still emphasize requirements capture, software configuration management, design documenting, and making sure the products that have been developed are accountable to initial requirements. This paper will give an overview of how the Software Processes have evolved, highlighting the positives as well as the negatives. In addition, we will mention the COTS tools that have been integrated into the processes and how the COTS have provided value to the project.

Purification and kinetic characterization of recombinant human mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase COT and the complexes with its cellular partner NF-kappa B1 p105.

PubMed

Jia, Yong; Quinn, Christopher M; Bump, Nancy J; Clark, Kevin M; Clabbers, Anca; Hardman, Jennifer; Gagnon, Andrew; Kamens, Joanne; Tomlinson, Medha J; Wishart, Neil; Allen, Hamish

2005-09-01

Cancer osaka thyroid (COT), a human MAP 3 K, is essential for lipopolysaccharide activation of the Erk MAPK cascade in macrophages. COT 30--467 is insoluble, whereas low levels of COT 30--397 can be expressed, but this protein is unstable. However, both COT 30--467 and COT 30--397 are expressed in a soluble and stable form when produced in complex with the C-terminal half of p105. The k(cat) of COT 30--397 is reduced approximately 47--fold in the COT 30--467/p105 Delta N complex. COT prefers Mn(2+) to Mg(2+) as the ATP metal cofactor, exhibiting an unusually high ATP K(m) in the presence of Mg(2+). When using Mn(2+) as the cofactor, the ATP K(m) is reduced to a level typical of most kinases. In contrast, the binding affinity of COT for its other substrate MEK is cofactor independent. Our results using purified proteins indicate that p105 binding improves COT solubility and stability while down-regulating kinase activity, consistent with cellular data showing that p105 functions as an inhibitor of COT.

Learning Strategies Used by High School Students Learning English as a Second Language

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

Discussion 34 REFERENCES 39 APPENDICES Z1 A Teachers Interview Guide 43 B Student Interview Guide 55 C Classroom Observation Guide 67 ix LIST OF TABLES...and teacher interviews were performed individually. There were only 3.7 strategies per classroom observation . Because roughly equal amounts of time...FOR SPEAKING AND UNDERSTANDING ENGLISH Classroom Observation Guide The purpose of this observation guide is to describe an approach for cot- lecting

High Performance, Dependable Multiprocessor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramos, Jeremy; Samson, John R.; Troxel, Ian; Subramaniyan, Rajagopal; Jacobs, Adam; Greco, James; Cieslewski, Grzegorz; Curreri, John; Fischer, Michael; Grobelny, Eric;

Primary Care Clinic Re-Design for Prescription Opioid Management.

PubMed

Parchman, Michael L; Von Korff, Michael; Baldwin, Laura-Mae; Stephens, Mark; Ike, Brooke; Cromp, DeAnn; Hsu, Clarissa; Wagner, Ed H

The challenge of responding to prescription opioid overuse within the United States has fallen disproportionately on the primary care clinic setting. Here we describe a framework comprised of 6 Building Blocks to guide efforts within this setting to address the use of opioids for chronic pain. Investigators conducted site visits to thirty primary care clinics across the United States selected for their use of team-based workforce innovations. Site visits included interviews with leadership, clinic tours, observations of clinic processes and team meetings, and interviews with staff and clinicians. Data were reviewed to identify common attributes of clinic system changes around chronic opioid therapy (COT) management. These concepts were reviewed to develop narrative descriptions of key components of changes made to improve COT use. Twenty of the thirty sites had addressed improvements in COT prescribing. Across these sites a common set of 6 Building Blocks were identified: 1) providing leadership support; 2) revising and aligning clinic policies, patient agreements (contracts) and workflows; 3) implementing a registry tracking system; 4) conducting planned, patient-centered visits; 5) identifying resources for complex patients; and 6) measuring progress toward achieving clinic objectives. Common components of clinic policies, patient agreements and data tracked in registries to assess progress are described. In response to prescription opioid overuse and the resulting epidemic of overdose and addiction, primary care clinics are making improvements driven by a common set of best practices that address complex challenges of managing COT patients in primary care settings. © Copyright 2017 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Assessing the effect of micro-lysimeters on NRWI: Do micro-lysimeters adequately represent the water input of natural soil?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kidron, Giora J.; Kronenfeld, Rafael

2017-05-01

The use of micro-lysimeters (MLs) by the scientific community for the measurement of non-rainfall water input, NRWI (dew, fog, water vapor) has become more widespread. With MLs being isolated bodies, we hypothesized that changes in heat flux may affect the surface temperatures and subsequently NRWI. Measurements were conducted with MLs of various lengths (3.5, 12, 20, 30, 40, 50 cm for 2014 and 3.5, 12, 50 cm for 2015), and on the adjacent soil that served as a control (COT) using cloths attached to glass plates in Sede Boqer (Negev Desert, Israel) during the late summer and fall of 2014 and 2015. In addition, periodical temperature and moisture measurements were also conducted on additional lysimeters. Non-significant differences in NRWI characterized MLs 12-50 cm-long, which could have been therefore grouped (termed ML12/50). However, these lysimeters and especially the 3.5 cm-long ML (ML3.5) yielded substantially higher values than that of COT, with the ratio of ML12/50 to COT and the ratio of ML3.5 to COT being up to 2.4 and 5.8, respectively, implying, as was indeed found during periodic measurements, lower nocturnal temperatures and subsequently higher moisture content at 0-0.2 cm at the MLs in comparison to COT. This was also reflected in the amount of recorded mornings with effective (>0.03 mm) NRWI: 34 mornings based on the ML12/50 in comparison to only 4 when based on COT. The findings raise serious concerns regarding published data on NRWI and call for proper calibration between the amounts obtained by the MLs and the natural intact soil.

Production roll out plan for HANDI 2000 business management system

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

Adams, D.E.

The Hanford Data Integration 2000 (HANDI 2000) Project will result in an integrated and comprehensive set of functional applications containing core information necessary to support the Project Hanford Management Contract (PHMC). It is based on the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product solution with commercially proven business processes. The COTS product solution set, of Passport (PP) and PeopleSoft (PS) software, supports finance, supply, human resources, and payroll activities under the current PHMC direction. The PP software is an integrated application for Accounts Payable, Contract Management, Inventory Management, Purchasing and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The PS software is an integrated application for Projects,more » General Ledger, Human Resources Training, Payroll, and Base Benefits. This set of software constitutes the Business Management System (BMS) and MSDS, a subset of the HANDI 2000 suite of systems. The primary objective of the Production Roll Out Plan is to communicate the methods and schedules for implementation and roll out to end users of BMS.« less

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Program: Issues and Results of Upscreening COTS Parts for NASA Flight Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandor, Mike; Agarwal, Shri; Villegas, Enrique

2000-01-01

This paper presents The Commercial Off-The-Shelf Program (COTS). The topics of discussion are: 1) Introduction of COTS; 2) MARS01 Program/Requirements; 3) MARS01 COTS Screening Flow; 4) Test Results-Electrical, C-Sam, Burn-In; 5) Value Added Analysis (Risk Reduction); 6) Value Added Analysis (Cost); 7) Impact of COTS ++ Screening; and 8) Summary. This paper is presented in viewgraph form.

NIK and Cot cooperate to trigger NF-kappaB p65 phosphorylation.

PubMed

Wittwer, Tobias; Schmitz, M Lienhard

2008-06-27

The serine/threonine kinase Cot triggers NF-kappaB-dependent transactivation and activation of various MAPKinases. Here we identify Cot as a novel p65 interacting protein kinase. Cot expression induces p65 phosphorylation at serines 536 and 468 in dependence from its kinase function. Accordingly, shRNA-mediated knockdown of Cot expression interferes with TNF-induced NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression. Also the C-terminally truncated, oncogenic form of Cot is able to trigger p65 phosphorylation. In vitro kinase assays and dominant negative mutants revealed that NIK functions downstream of Cot to mediate p65 phosphorylation.

TRAF6 and Src kinase activity regulates Cot activation by IL-1.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Cristina; Pozo, Maite; Nieto, Elvira; Fernández, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2006-09-01

Cot is one of the MAP kinase kinase kinases that regulates the ERK1/ERK2 pathway under physiological conditions. Cot is activated by LPS, by inducing its dissociation from the inactive p105 NFkappaB-Cot complex in macrophages. Here, we show that IL-1 promotes a 10-fold increase in endogenous Cot activity and that Cot is the only MAP kinase kinase kinase that activates ERK1/ERK2 in response to this cytokine. Moreover, in cells where the expression of Cot is blocked, IL-1 fails to induce an increase in IL-8 and MIP-1betamRNA levels. The activation of Cot-MKK1-ERK1/ERK2 signalling pathway by IL-1 is dependent on the activity of the transducer protein TRAF6. Most important, IL-1-induced ERK1/ERK2 activation is inhibited by PP1, a known inhibitor of Src tyrosine kinases, but this tyrosine kinase activity is not required for IL-1 to activate other MAP kinases such as p38 and JNK. This Src kinases inhibitor does not block the dissociation and subsequently degradation of Cot in response to IL-1, indicating that other events besides Cot dissociation are required to activate Cot. All these data highlight the specific requirements for activation of the Cot-MKK1-ERK1/ERK2 pathway and provide evidence that Cot controls the functions of IL-1 that are mediated by ERK1/ERK2.

Assessing the potential for interaction between the insecticidal activity of two genetically engineered cotton events combined by conventional breeding: An example with COT102 × MON 15985.

PubMed

Levine, Steven L; Mueller, Geoffrey M; Uffman, Joshua P

2016-08-01

Bollgard(®) III was developed by combining cotton events COT102 and MON 15985 through conventional breeding to improve efficacy against lepidopteran feeding damage. COT102 produces the Vip3Aa19 protein and MON 15985 produces the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 proteins. COT102 × MON 15985 has also been bred with Roundup Ready Flex(®) cotton (MON 88913) that confers glyphosate tolerance. This study evaluated the activity of COT102 and MON 15985 and the combined activity of COT102 and MON 15985 against the cotton bollworm (CBW, Helicoverpa zea). COT102, MON 15985, COT102 × MON 15985 and COT102 × MON 15985 × MON 88913 have comparable Vip3Aa19 and/or Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab2 protein expression levels as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CBW demonstrated concentration-dependent growth inhibition after 7-days of feeding on lyophilized leaf tissue derived from COT102, MON 15985, COT102 × MON 15985 and COT102 × MON 15985 × MON 88913 incorporated into an artificial diet. Observed EC50 values for COT102 × MON 15985 and COT102 × MON 15985 × MON 88913 were comparable (≤4% deviation) with the predicted EC50 value under the assumption of additivity using the combined activity of COT102 and MON 15985. No interaction in biological activity between COT102 and MON 15985 is consistent with results from competition and ligand blotting assays that demonstrated that Vip3Aa does not inhibit the binding of either Cry1Ac or Cry2Ab2 and vice versa. The results from this study demonstrate that the activity of COT102 × MON 15985 against CBW is consistent with predictions of additivity. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

XML: James Webb Space Telescope Database Issues, Lessons, and Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Detter, Ryan; Mooney, Michael; Fatig, Curtis

2003-01-01

This paper will present the current concept using extensible Markup Language (XML) as the underlying structure for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) database. The purpose of using XML is to provide a JWST database, independent of any portion of the ground system, yet still compatible with the various systems using a variety of different structures. The testing of the JWST Flight Software (FSW) started in 2002, yet the launch is scheduled for 2011 with a planned 5-year mission and a 5-year follow on option. The initial database and ground system elements, including the commands, telemetry, and ground system tools will be used for 19 years, plus post mission activities. During the Integration and Test (I&T) phases of the JWST development, 24 distinct laboratories, each geographically dispersed, will have local database tools with an XML database. Each of these laboratories database tools will be used for the exporting and importing of data both locally and to a central database system, inputting data to the database certification process, and providing various reports. A centralized certified database repository will be maintained by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. One of the challenges for the database is to be flexible enough to allow for the upgrade, addition or changing of individual items without effecting the entire ground system. Also, using XML should allow for the altering of the import and export formats needed by the various elements, tracking the verification/validation of each database item, allow many organizations to provide database inputs, and the merging of the many existing database processes into one central database structure throughout the JWST program. Many National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) projects have attempted to take advantage of open source and commercial technology. Often this causes a greater reliance on the use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS), which is often limiting. In our review of the database requirements and the COTS software available, only very expensive COTS software will meet 90% of requirements. Even with the high projected initial cost of COTS, the development and support for custom code over the 19-year mission period was forecasted to be higher than the total licensing costs. A group did look at reusing existing database tools and formats. If the JWST database was already in a mature state, the reuse made sense, but with the database still needing to handing the addition of different types of command and telemetry structures, defining new spacecraft systems, accept input and export to systems which has not been defined yet, XML provided the flexibility desired. It remains to be determined whether the XML database will reduce the over all cost for the JWST mission.

Phosphorylation of spore coat proteins by a family of atypical protein kinases

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

Nguyen, Kim B.; Sreelatha, Anju; Durrant, Eric S.

The modification of proteins by phosphorylation occurs in all life forms and is catalyzed by a large superfamily of enzymes known as protein kinases. We recently discovered a family of secretory pathway kinases that phosphorylate extracellular proteins. One member, family with sequence similarity 20C (Fam20C), is the physiological Golgi casein kinase. While examining distantly related protein sequences, we observed low levels of identity between the spore coat protein H (CotH), and the Fam20C-related secretory pathway kinases. CotH is a component of the spore in many bacterial and eukaryotic species, and is required for efficient germination of spores in Bacillus subtilis;more » however, the mechanism by which CotH affects germination is unclear. In this paper, we show that CotH is a protein kinase. The crystal structure of CotH reveals an atypical protein kinase-like fold with a unique mode of ATP binding. Examination of the genes neighboring cotH in B. subtilis led us to identify two spore coat proteins, CotB and CotG, as CotH substrates. Furthermore, we show that CotH-dependent phosphorylation of CotB and CotG is required for the efficient germination of B. subtilis spores. Finally and collectively, our results define a family of atypical protein kinases and reveal an unexpected role for protein phosphorylation in spore biology.« less

Phosphorylation of spore coat proteins by a family of atypical protein kinases

DOE PAGES

Nguyen, Kim B.; Sreelatha, Anju; Durrant, Eric S.; ...

2016-05-16

The modification of proteins by phosphorylation occurs in all life forms and is catalyzed by a large superfamily of enzymes known as protein kinases. We recently discovered a family of secretory pathway kinases that phosphorylate extracellular proteins. One member, family with sequence similarity 20C (Fam20C), is the physiological Golgi casein kinase. While examining distantly related protein sequences, we observed low levels of identity between the spore coat protein H (CotH), and the Fam20C-related secretory pathway kinases. CotH is a component of the spore in many bacterial and eukaryotic species, and is required for efficient germination of spores in Bacillus subtilis;more » however, the mechanism by which CotH affects germination is unclear. In this paper, we show that CotH is a protein kinase. The crystal structure of CotH reveals an atypical protein kinase-like fold with a unique mode of ATP binding. Examination of the genes neighboring cotH in B. subtilis led us to identify two spore coat proteins, CotB and CotG, as CotH substrates. Furthermore, we show that CotH-dependent phosphorylation of CotB and CotG is required for the efficient germination of B. subtilis spores. Finally and collectively, our results define a family of atypical protein kinases and reveal an unexpected role for protein phosphorylation in spore biology.« less

A Top-Down Performance Analysis of a Pegasus-Based Space Strike System

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

284): AP 1 O. coCO 4., cos 2 =~ +I Q ( QbO - 2) cos2 Cbo 28 This equation is useful for determining free-flight range for any set of burnout con...it may therefore be expressed in the manner given by Eq (26): cot1 - Qbo cos 2 Obo2 Qbo cos ¢ bo1 - cos2 kbo (27) Since \\/f1-cos7 Obo = sin Obo and...in general, cos a sin a = 1/2 x sin 2a, then Eq (27) can be further simplified to ’’ 2 cot - = 2csc20b, - cot Obo (28) 2 Qbo Rearranging tcrms results

Serine/threonine kinase, Cot/Tpl2, regulates renal cell apoptosis in ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Yaomura, Takaaki; Tsuboi, Naotake; Urahama, Yoshinori; Hobo, Akinori; Sugimoto, Kenji; Miyoshi, Jun; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya; Reiji, Kannagi; Matsuo, Seiichi; Yuzawa, Yukio

2008-10-01

Cot/Tpl2, a serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase, has been classified as a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, and is known to have a pleiotropic role. Many studies have reported the involvement of Cot/Tpl2, mainly as a member of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signalling pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. At the same time, it is also related to the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Thus, the role of Cot/Tpl2 in ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in which TNF-alpha and apoptosis are the major pathogenetic factors was studied. IRI was induced in wild type (Cot/Tpl2(+/+)) mice and in Cot/Tpl2-deficient (Cot/Tpl2(-/-)) mice. The extent of tubular injury and renal function were studied. TNF-alpha production, neutrophil infiltration and apoptosis were also compared between the two groups. Cot/Tpl2(-/-) mice had preserved renal function compared with wild type mice in IRI. Although Cot/Tpl2 was phosphorylated in IRI and in the cultured tubular epithelial cells (TEC) after stimulation with LPS and hydrogen peroxide, there were no significant differences in terms of TNF-alpha production, neutrophil infiltration or MAPK activation between Cot/Tpl2(+/+) and Cot/Tpl2(-/-) mice. In contrast, Cot/Tpl2(-/-) mice showed obviously reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling positive cells and cleaved caspase-3 positive cells. Furthermore, Cot/Tpl2-deficient TECs demonstrated significantly less caspase-3 activation after hydrogen peroxide stimulation with comparable caspase-9 activation to wild type TEC. Cot/Tpl2 did not function as a member of MAPK family, but as a promoter of apoptosis in IRI. These results suggest that Cot/Tpl2 could be a possible therapeutic target in IRI.

COTS Ceramic Chip Capacitors: An Evaluation of the Parts and Assurance Methodologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brusse, Jay A.; Sampson, Michael J.

2004-01-01

Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs) are continually evolving to reduce physical size and increase volumetric efficiency. Designers of high reliability aerospace and military systems are attracted to these attributes of COTS MLCCs and would like to take advantage of them while maintaining the high standards for long-term reliable operation they are accustomed io when selecting military qualified established reliability (MIL-ER) MLCCs. However, MIL-ER MLCCs are not available in the full range of small chip sizes with high capacitance as found in today's COTS MLCCs. The objectives for this evaluation were to assess the long-term performance of small case size COTS MLCCs and to identify effective, lower-cost product assurance methodologies. Fifteen (15) lots of COTS X7R dielectric MLCCs from four (4) different manufacturers and two (2) MIL-ER BX dielectric MLCCs from two (2) of the same manufacturers were evaluated. Both 0805 and 0402 chip sizes were included. Several voltage ratings were tested ranging from a high of 50 volts to a low of 6.3 volts. The evaluation consisted of a comprehensive screening and qualification test program based upon MIL-PRF-55681 (i.e., voltage conditioning, thermal shock, moisture resistance, 2000-hour life test, etc.). In addition, several lot characterization tests were performed including Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA), Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) and Dielectric Voltage Breakdown Strength. The data analysis included a comparison of the 2000-hour life test results (used as a metric for long-term performance) relative to the screening and characterization test results. Results of this analysis indicate that the long-term life performance of COTS MLCCs is variable -- some lots perform well, some lots perform poorly. DPA and HALT were found to be promising lot characterization tests to identify substandard COTS MLCC lots prior to conducting more expensive screening and qualification tests. The results indicate that lot- specific screening and qualification are still recommended for high reliability applications. One significant and concerning observation is that MIL- type voltage conditioning (100 hours at twice rated voltage, 125 C) was not an effective screen in removing infant mortality parts for the particular lots of COTS MLCCs evaluated.

KSC's work flow assistant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkinson, John; Johnson, Earl

1991-01-01

The work flow assistant (WFA) is an advanced technology project under the shuttle processing data management system (SPDMS) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). It will be utilized for short range scheduling, controlling work flow on the floor, and providing near real-time status for all major space transportation systems (STS) work centers at KSC. It will increase personnel and STS safety and improve productivity through deeper active scheduling that includes tracking and correlation of STS and ground support equipment (GSE) configuration and work. It will also provide greater accessibility to this data. WFA defines a standards concept for scheduling data which permits both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) scheduling tools and WFA developed applications to be reused. WFA will utilize industry standard languages and workstations to achieve a scalable, adaptable, and portable architecture which may be used at other sites.

Deregulated activation of oncoprotein kinase Tpl2/Cot in HTLV-I-transformed T cells.

PubMed

Babu, Geetha; Waterfield, Michael; Chang, Mikyoung; Wu, Xuefeng; Sun, Shao-Cong

2006-05-19

Protein kinase Tpl2/Cot is encoded by a protooncogene that is cis-activated by retroviral insertion in murine T cell lymphomas. It has remained unclear whether this oncoprotein kinase is mutated or post-translationally activated in human cancer cells. We have shown here that Tpl2/Cot is constitutively activated in human leukemia cell lines transformed by the human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). The kinase activity of Tpl2/Cot is normally suppressed through its physical interaction with an inhibitor, the NF-kappaB1 precursor protein p105. Interestingly, a large pool of Tpl2/Cot is liberated from p105 and exhibits constitutive kinase activity in HTLV-I-transformed T cells. In contrast to its labile property in normal cells, the pathologically activated Tpl2/Cot is remarkably stable. Further, whereas the physiological activation of Tpl2/Cot involves its long isoform, the HTLV-activated Tpl2/Cot is predominantly the short isoform. We have also shown that the HTLV-I-encoded Tax protein is able to activate Tpl2/Cot in transfected cells. Finally, Tpl2/Cot participates in the activation of NF-kappaB by Tax. These findings indicate that deregulated activation of Tpl2/Cot may occur in human cancer cells.

Lime Juice and Vinegar Injections as a Cheap and Natural Alternative to Control COTS Outbreaks.

PubMed

Moutardier, Grégoire; Gereva, Sompert; Mills, Suzanne C; Adjeroud, Mehdi; Beldade, Ricardo; Ham, Jayven; Kaku, Rocky; Dumas, Pascal

2015-01-01

Outbreaks of the corallivorous crown-of-thorns seastar Acanthaster planci (COTS) represent one of the greatest disturbances to coral reef ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific, affecting not only coral reefs but also the coastal communities which rely on their resources. While injection approaches are increasingly used in an attempt to control COTS densities, most of them display severe drawbacks including logistical challenges, high residual environmental impacts or low cost-effectiveness. We tested a new alternative control method based upon acidic injections of cheap, 100% natural products. We investigated the lethal doses, intra- and inter-specific disease transmission and immune responses of COTS when injected with fresh lime juice (extracted from local Citrus arantifolia) and white spirit vinegar. High COTS mortality was achieved with small volumes: 10-20 ml per seastar induced death in 89%/97% of injected specimens after an average 34.3 h/29.8 h for lime juice and vinegar respectively. Highest efficiency was reached for both solutions with double shots of (2 × 10 ml) in two different areas on the body: 100% mortality occurred within 12-24 h, which is similar or faster compared with other current injection methods. Multiple immune measures suggested that death was very likely caused by pH stress from the acidic solutions rather than a bacterial infection. Contagion to either conspecifics or a variety of other reef species was not observed, even at COTS densities 15 times higher than the highest naturally reported. 10 to 20 l lime juice/vinegar could kill up to a thousand COTS at a cost of less than 0.05 USD per specimen; no permits or special handling procedures are required. We conclude that injections of lime juice and vinegar offer great advantages when compared to current best practises and constitute a cheap and natural option for all reefs affected by COTS.

Lime Juice and Vinegar Injections as a Cheap and Natural Alternative to Control COTS Outbreaks

PubMed Central

Moutardier, Grégoire; Gereva, Sompert; Mills, Suzanne C.; Adjeroud, Mehdi; Beldade, Ricardo; Ham, Jayven; Kaku, Rocky; Dumas, Pascal

2015-01-01

Outbreaks of the corallivorous crown-of-thorns seastar Acanthaster planci (COTS) represent one of the greatest disturbances to coral reef ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific, affecting not only coral reefs but also the coastal communities which rely on their resources. While injection approaches are increasingly used in an attempt to control COTS densities, most of them display severe drawbacks including logistical challenges, high residual environmental impacts or low cost-effectiveness. We tested a new alternative control method based upon acidic injections of cheap, 100% natural products. We investigated the lethal doses, intra- and inter-specific disease transmission and immune responses of COTS when injected with fresh lime juice (extracted from local Citrus arantifolia) and white spirit vinegar. High COTS mortality was achieved with small volumes: 10–20 ml per seastar induced death in 89%/97% of injected specimens after an average 34.3 h/29.8 h for lime juice and vinegar respectively. Highest efficiency was reached for both solutions with double shots of (2 × 10 ml) in two different areas on the body: 100% mortality occurred within 12–24 h, which is similar or faster compared with other current injection methods. Multiple immune measures suggested that death was very likely caused by pH stress from the acidic solutions rather than a bacterial infection. Contagion to either conspecifics or a variety of other reef species was not observed, even at COTS densities 15 times higher than the highest naturally reported. 10 to 20 l lime juice/vinegar could kill up to a thousand COTS at a cost of less than 0.05 USD per specimen; no permits or special handling procedures are required. We conclude that injections of lime juice and vinegar offer great advantages when compared to current best practises and constitute a cheap and natural option for all reefs affected by COTS. PMID:26356840

Radiation-Hardened Solid-State Drive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheldon, Douglas J.

2010-01-01

A method is provided for a radiationhardened (rad-hard) solid-state drive for space mission memory applications by combining rad-hard and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) non-volatile memories (NVMs) into a hybrid architecture. The architecture is controlled by a rad-hard ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or a FPGA (field programmable gate array). Specific error handling and data management protocols are developed for use in a rad-hard environment. The rad-hard memories are smaller in overall memory density, but are used to control and manage radiation-induced errors in the main, and much larger density, non-rad-hard COTS memory devices. Small amounts of rad-hard memory are used as error buffers and temporary caches for radiation-induced errors in the large COTS memories. The rad-hard ASIC/FPGA implements a variety of error-handling protocols to manage these radiation-induced errors. The large COTS memory is triplicated for protection, and CRC-based counters are calculated for sub-areas in each COTS NVM array. These counters are stored in the rad-hard non-volatile memory. Through monitoring, rewriting, regeneration, triplication, and long-term storage, radiation-induced errors in the large NV memory are managed. The rad-hard ASIC/FPGA also interfaces with the external computer buses.

Optical properties of aerosol contaminated cloud derived from MODIS instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Linlu; Rozanov, Vladimir; Lelli, Luca; Vountas, Marco; Burrows, John P.

2016-04-01

The presence of absorbing aerosols above/within cloud can reduce the amount of up-welling radiation in visible (VIS) and short-wave infrared and darken the spectral reflectance when compared with a spectrum of a clean cloud observed by satellite instruments (Jethva et al., 2013). Cloud properties retrieval for aerosol contaminated cases is a great challenge. Even small additional injection of aerosol particles into clouds in the cleanest regions of Earth's atmosphere will cause significant effect on those clouds and on climate forcing (Koren et al., 2014; Rosenfeld et al., 2014) because the micro-physical cloud process are non-linear with respect to the aerosol loading. The current cloud products like Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ignoring the aerosol effect for the retrieval, which may cause significant error in the satellite-derived cloud properties. In this paper, a new cloud properties retrieval method, considering aerosol effect, based on the weighting-function (WF) method, is presented. The retrieval results shows that the WF retrieved cloud properties (e.g COT) agrees quite well with MODIS COT product for relative clear atmosphere (AOT ≤ 0.4) while there is a large difference for large aerosol loading. The MODIS COT product is underestimated for at least 2 - 3 times for AOT>0.4, and this underestimation increases with the increase of AOT.

Sohbrit: Autonomous COTS System for Satellite Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blazier, N.; Tarin, S.; Wells, M.; Brown, N.; Nandy, P.; Woodbury, D.

As technology continues to improve, driving down the cost of commercial astronomical products while increasing their capabilities, manpower to run observations has become the limiting factor in acquiring continuous and repeatable space situational awareness data. Sandia National Laboratories set out to automate a testbed comprised entirely of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware for space object characterization (SOC) focusing on satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Using an entirely autonomous system allows collection parameters such as target illumination and nightly overlap to be accounted for habitually; this enables repeatable development of target light curves to establish patterns of life in a variety of spectral bands. The system, known as Sohbrit, is responsible for autonomously creating an optimized schedule, checking the weather, opening the observatory dome, aligning and focusing the telescope, executing the schedule by slewing to each target and imaging it in a number of spectral bands (e.g., B, V, R, I, wide-open) via a filter wheel, closing the dome at the end of observations, processing the data, and storing/disseminating the data for exploitation via the web. Sohbrit must handle various situations such as weather outages and focus changes due to temperature shifts and optical seeing variations without human interaction. Sohbrit can collect large volumes of data nightly due to its high level of automation. To store and disseminate these large quantities of data, we utilize a cloud-based big data architecture called Firebird, which exposes the data out to the community for use by developers and analysts. Sohbrit is the first COTS system we are aware of to automate the full process of multispectral geosynchronous characterization from scheduling all the way to processed, disseminated data. In this paper we will discuss design decisions, issues encountered and overcome during implementation, and show results produced by Sohbrit.

Uncertainties in Cloud Phase and Optical Thickness Retrievals from the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Kerry; Yang, Yuekui; Platnick, Steven

2016-01-01

This paper presents an investigation of the expected uncertainties of a single channel cloud optical thickness (COT) retrieval technique, as well as a simple cloud-temperature-threshold-based thermodynamic phase approach, in support of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission. DSCOVR cloud products will be derived from Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) observations in the ultraviolet and visible spectra. Since EPIC is not equipped with a spectral channel in the shortwave or mid-wave infrared that is sensitive to cloud effective radius (CER), COT will be inferred from a single visible channel with the assumption of appropriate CER values for liquid and ice phase clouds. One month of Aqua MODIS daytime granules from April 2005 is selected for investigating cloud phase sensitivity, and a subset of these granules that has similar EPIC sun-view geometry is selected for investigating COT uncertainties. EPIC COT retrievals are simulated with the same algorithm as the operational MODIS cloud products (MOD06), except using fixed phase-dependent CER values. Uncertainty estimates are derived by comparing the single channel COT retrievals with the baseline bi-spectral MODIS retrievals. Results show that a single channel COT retrieval is feasible for EPIC. For ice clouds, single channel retrieval errors are minimal (less than 2 percent) due to the particle- size insensitivity of the assumed ice crystal (i.e., severely roughened aggregate of hexagonal columns) scattering properties at visible wavelengths, while for liquid clouds the error is mostly limited to within 10 percent, although for thin clouds (COT less than 2) the error can be higher. Potential uncertainties in EPIC cloud masking and cloud temperature retrievals are not considered in this study.

Uncertainties in cloud phase and optical thickness retrievals from the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC)

PubMed Central

Meyer, Kerry; Yang, Yuekui; Platnick, Steven

2018-01-01

This paper presents an investigation of the expected uncertainties of a single channel cloud optical thickness (COT) retrieval technique, as well as a simple cloud temperature threshold based thermodynamic phase approach, in support of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission. DSCOVR cloud products will be derived from Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) observations in the ultraviolet and visible spectra. Since EPIC is not equipped with a spectral channel in the shortwave or mid-wave infrared that is sensitive to cloud effective radius (CER), COT will be inferred from a single visible channel with the assumption of appropriate CER values for liquid and ice phase clouds. One month of Aqua MODIS daytime granules from April 2005 is selected for investigating cloud phase sensitivity, and a subset of these granules that has similar EPIC sun-view geometry is selected for investigating COT uncertainties. EPIC COT retrievals are simulated with the same algorithm as the operational MODIS cloud products (MOD06), except using fixed phase-dependent CER values. Uncertainty estimates are derived by comparing the single channel COT retrievals with the baseline bi-spectral MODIS retrievals. Results show that a single channel COT retrieval is feasible for EPIC. For ice clouds, single channel retrieval errors are minimal (< 2%) due to the particle size insensitivity of the assumed ice crystal (i.e., severely roughened aggregate of hexagonal columns) scattering properties at visible wavelengths, while for liquid clouds the error is mostly limited to within 10%, although for thin clouds (COT < 2) the error can be higher. Potential uncertainties in EPIC cloud masking and cloud temperature retrievals are not considered in this study. PMID:29619116

Uncertainties in cloud phase and optical thickness retrievals from the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC).

PubMed

Meyer, Kerry; Yang, Yuekui; Platnick, Steven

2016-01-01

This paper presents an investigation of the expected uncertainties of a single channel cloud optical thickness (COT) retrieval technique, as well as a simple cloud temperature threshold based thermodynamic phase approach, in support of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission. DSCOVR cloud products will be derived from Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) observations in the ultraviolet and visible spectra. Since EPIC is not equipped with a spectral channel in the shortwave or mid-wave infrared that is sensitive to cloud effective radius (CER), COT will be inferred from a single visible channel with the assumption of appropriate CER values for liquid and ice phase clouds. One month of Aqua MODIS daytime granules from April 2005 is selected for investigating cloud phase sensitivity, and a subset of these granules that has similar EPIC sun-view geometry is selected for investigating COT uncertainties. EPIC COT retrievals are simulated with the same algorithm as the operational MODIS cloud products (MOD06), except using fixed phase-dependent CER values. Uncertainty estimates are derived by comparing the single channel COT retrievals with the baseline bi-spectral MODIS retrievals. Results show that a single channel COT retrieval is feasible for EPIC. For ice clouds, single channel retrieval errors are minimal (< 2%) due to the particle size insensitivity of the assumed ice crystal (i.e., severely roughened aggregate of hexagonal columns) scattering properties at visible wavelengths, while for liquid clouds the error is mostly limited to within 10%, although for thin clouds (COT < 2) the error can be higher. Potential uncertainties in EPIC cloud masking and cloud temperature retrievals are not considered in this study.

Uncertainties in cloud phase and optical thickness retrievals from the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Kerry; Yang, Yuekui; Platnick, Steven

2016-04-01

This paper presents an investigation of the expected uncertainties of a single-channel cloud optical thickness (COT) retrieval technique, as well as a simple cloud-temperature-threshold-based thermodynamic phase approach, in support of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission. DSCOVR cloud products will be derived from Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) observations in the ultraviolet and visible spectra. Since EPIC is not equipped with a spectral channel in the shortwave or mid-wave infrared that is sensitive to cloud effective radius (CER), COT will be inferred from a single visible channel with the assumption of appropriate CER values for liquid and ice phase clouds. One month of Aqua MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daytime granules from April 2005 is selected for investigating cloud phase sensitivity, and a subset of these granules that has similar EPIC Sun-view geometry is selected for investigating COT uncertainties. EPIC COT retrievals are simulated with the same algorithm as the operational MODIS cloud products (MOD06), except using fixed phase-dependent CER values. Uncertainty estimates are derived by comparing the single-channel COT retrievals with the baseline bi-spectral MODIS retrievals. Results show that a single-channel COT retrieval is feasible for EPIC. For ice clouds, single-channel retrieval errors are minimal (< 2 %) due to the particle size insensitivity of the assumed ice crystal (i.e., severely roughened aggregate of hexagonal columns) scattering properties at visible wavelengths, while for liquid clouds the error is mostly limited to within 10 %, although for thin clouds (COT < 2) the error can be higher. Potential uncertainties in EPIC cloud masking and cloud temperature retrievals are not considered in this study.

Molecular and biochemical characterization of a highly stable bacterial laccase that occurs as a structural component of the Bacillus subtilis endospore coat.

PubMed

Martins, Ligia O; Soares, Claudio M; Pereira, Manuela M; Teixeira, Miguel; Costa, Teresa; Jones, George H; Henriques, Adriano O

2002-05-24

The Bacillus subtilis endospore coat protein CotA shows laccase activity. By using comparative modeling techniques, we were able to derive a model for CotA based on the known x-ray structures of zucchini ascorbate oxidase and Cuprinus cereneus laccase. This model of CotA contains all the structural features of a laccase, including the reactive surface-exposed copper center (T1) and two buried copper centers (T2 and T3). Single amino acid substitutions in the CotA T1 copper center (H497A, or M502L) did not prevent assembly of the mutant proteins into the coat and did not alter the pattern of extractable coat polypeptides. However, in contrast to a wild type strain, both mutants produced unpigmented colonies and spores unable to oxidize syringaldazine (SGZ) and 2'2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). The CotA protein was purified to homogeneity from an overproducing Escherichia coli strain. The purified CotA shows an absorbance and a EPR spectra typical of blue multicopper oxidases. Optimal enzymatic activity was found at < or =pH 3.0 and at pH 7.0 for ABTS or SGZ oxidation, respectively. The apparent K(m) values for ABTS and SGZ at 37 degrees C were of 106 +/- 11 and 26 +/- 2 microm, respectively, with corresponding k(cat) values of 16.8 +/- 0.8 and 3.7 +/- 0.1 s(-1). Maximal enzyme activity was observed at 75 degrees C with ABTS as substrate. Remarkably, the coat-associated or the purified enzyme showed a half-life of inactivation at 80 degrees C of about 4 and 2 h, respectively, indicating that CotA is intrinsically highly thermostable.

Practice variation in the transfer of premature infants from incubators to open cots in Australian and New Zealand neonatal nurseries: results of an electronic survey.

PubMed

New, Karen; Bogossian, Fiona; East, Christine; Davies, Mark William

2010-06-01

The incubator environment is essential for optimal physiological functioning and development of the premature infant but the infant is ultimately required to make a successful transfer from incubator to open cot in order to be discharged from hospital. Criteria for transfer lack a systematic approach because no clear, specific guideline predominates in clinical practice. Practice variation exists between continents, regions and nurseries in the same countries, but there is no recent review of current practices utilised for transferring premature infants from incubators to open cots. To document current practice for transferring premature infants to open cots in neonatal nurseries. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey. Twenty-two neonatal intensive care units and fifty-six high dependency special care baby units located in public hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. A sample of 78 key clinical nursing leaders (nurse unit managers, clinical nurse consultants or clinical nurse specialists) within neonatal nurseries identified through email or telephone contact. Data were collected using a web-based survey on practice, decision-making and strategies utilised for transferring premature infants from incubators to open cots. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and crosstabs) were used to analyse data. Comparisons between groups were tested for statistical significance using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. Significant practice variation between countries was found for only one variable, nursing infants clothed (p=0.011). Processes and practices undertaken similarly in both countries include use of incubator air control mode, current weight criterion, thermal challenging, single-walled incubators and heated mattress systems. Practice variation was significant between neonatal intensive care units and special care baby units for weight range (p=0.005), evidence-based practice (p=0.004), historical nursery practice (p=0.029) and incubator air control mode (p=0.001). Differences in these variables were also found between nurseries in metropolitan and rural locations. Practice variation exists however; many practices are uniformly performed throughout neonatal nurseries in Australian and New Zealand. Commonality was seen between countries and in nurseries with a neonatal intensive care unit. Variation was significant between neonatal intensive care units and special care baby units and nurseries in metropolitan and rural locations. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

From Mario to FIFA: What Qualitative Case Study Research Suggests about Games-Based Learning in a US Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerber, Hannah R.; Abrams, Sandra Schamroth; Onwuegbuzie, Anthony J.; Benge, Cindy L.

2014-01-01

This article explores the impact of using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) videogames in a high school curriculum when developed through a connected learning frame by examining the influence that COTS videogames have on transforming students' literacy learning in-school. However, it must be noted that transforming literacy in school is about more…

Finding the right time for weaning off immunosuppression in solid organ transplant recipients.

PubMed

Orlando, Giuseppe

2010-11-01

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) requires lifelong immunosuppression (IS) to prevent rejection and graft loss. The currently adopted immunosuppressive protocols are numerous and are based on the administration of at least two molecules with diverse mechanisms of action. Owing to the fact that the majority of immunosuppressants act non-selectively, the immune system is normally oversuppressed, and as a result is less able to both defend the host against infection and to control the spread of malignant cells. Consequently, long-term IS is burdened by chronic toxicity, which may be highly invalidating and may significantly influence patient's quality of life, compliance to treatment, overall success rate, and patient and graft survival. In an ideal scenario, SOT recipients should initially receive just enough IS to favor the onset of clinical operational tolerance (COT), a condition where the immune system of the host does not attack the graft in the absence of any immunosuppressant. COT has been documented after liver transplantation (LT) and renal transplantation (RT). First, COT was accidentally detected in patients who were nonadherent to treatment and who spontaneously decided to stop all IS without any medical guidance or surveillance. Later, it was described in recipients who required IS withdrawal following the occurrence of malignant diseases. Based on strikingly convincing experimental data, several tolerogenic protocols have recently been applied in patients but overall the results have been disappointing. The current literature demonstrates that COT can be safely achieved in stable LT recipients, with completely different strategies. Importantly, the onset of an episode of acute rejection during the attempt of IS withdrawal would not worsen the clinical outcome. On the contrary, COT remains a major challenge after RT because the onset of acute rejection will substantiate in graft loss. Currently, a major field of investigation aims to define markers of COT, which will allow the selection of individuals who are more prone to develop COT. Preliminary results in both RT and LT have just been announced; however, these markers will require validation in prospective studies.

CotA of Bacillus subtilis Is a Copper-Dependent Laccase

PubMed Central

Hullo, Marie-Françoise; Moszer, Ivan; Danchin, Antoine; Martin-Verstraete, Isabelle

2001-01-01

The spore coat protein CotA of Bacillus subtilis displays similarities with multicopper oxidases, including manganese oxidases and laccases. B. subtilis is able to oxidize manganese, but neither CotA nor other sporulation proteins are involved. We demonstrate that CotA is a laccase. Syringaldazine, a specific substrate of laccases, reacted with wild-type spores but not with ΔcotA spores. CotA may participate in the biosynthesis of the brown spore pigment, which appears to be a melanin-like product and to protect against UV light. PMID:11514528

Development and Flight Results of a PC104/QNX-Based On-Board Computer and Software for the YES2 Tether Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiliotopoulos, I.; Mirmont, M.; Kruijff, M.

2008-08-01

This paper highlights the flight preparation and mission performance of a PC104-based On-Board Computer for ESA's second Young Engineer's Satellite (YES2), with additional attention to the flight software design and experience of QNX as multi-process real-time operating system. This combination of Commercial-Of-The-Shelf (COTS) technologies is an accessible option for small satellites with high computational demands.

Pharmacokinetics of cotinine in rats: a potential therapeutic agent for disorders of cognitive function

PubMed Central

Li, Pei; Beck, Wayne D.; Callahan, Patrick M.; Terry, Alvin V.; Bartlett, Michael G.

2016-01-01

Background Attention has been paid to cotinine (COT), one of the major metabolites of nicotine (NIC), for its pro-cognitive effects and potential therapeutic activities against Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other types of cognitive impairment. In order to facilitate pharmacological and toxicological studies on COT for its pro-cognitive activities, we conducted a pharmacokinetic (PK) study of COT in rats, providing important oral and intravenously (IV) PK information. Methods In this study, plasma samples were obtained up to 48 hours after COT was dosed to rats orally and IV at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Plasma samples were prepared and analyzed using a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) bioanalytical method, providing concentration profiles of COT and metabolites after oral and IV administrations. Results The data were fitted into a one-compartment model and a two-compartment model for the oral and IV groups, respectively, providing important PK information for COT including PK profiles, half-life, clearance and bioavailability. The results suggested fast absorption, slow elimination and high bioavailability of COT in rats. Conclusions Several important facts about the PK properties in rats suggested COT could be a potential pro-cognitive agent. Information about the pharmacokinetics of COT in rats revealed in this study is of great importance for the future studies on COT or potential COT analogues as agents for improving cognition. PMID:25933960

Photoelectron spectroscopic study of the anionic transition metalorganic complexes [Fe(1,2)(COT)](-) and [Co(COT)](-).

PubMed

Li, Xiang; Eustis, Soren N; Bowen, Kit H; Kandalam, Anil

2008-09-28

The gas-phase, iron and cobalt cyclooctatetraene cluster anions, [Fe(1,2)(COT)](-) and [Co(COT)](-), were generated using a laser vaporization source and studied using mass spectrometry and anion photoelectron spectroscopy. Density functional theory was employed to compute the structures and spin multiplicities of these cluster anions as well as those of their corresponding neutrals. Both experimental and theoretically predicted electron affinities and photodetachment transition energies are in good agreement, authenticating the structures and spin multiplicities predicted by theory. The implied spin magnetic moments of these systems suggest that [Fe(COT)], [Fe(2)(COT)], and [Co(COT)] retain the magnetic moments of the Fe atom, the Fe(2) dimer, and the Co atom, respectively. Thus, the interaction of these transition metal, atomic and dimeric moieties with a COT molecule does not quench their magnetic moments, leading to the possibility that these combinations may be useful in forming novel magnetic materials.

Using Health Information Technology to Improve Adherence to Opioid Prescribing Guidelines in Primary Care

PubMed Central

Zlateva, Ianita; Khatri, Khushbu; Ciaburri, Nicholas

2015-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a clinical dashboard for opioid analgesic management on opioid prescribing and adherence to opioid practice guidelines in primary care. Methods: A pre/postimplementation evaluation using electronic health record (EHR) data from patients receiving chronic opioid therapy (COT) between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2013. Measures include annual proportions of COT patients who received urine drug testing, signed an opioid treatment agreement, had a documented assessment of pain-related functional status, and had at least 1 visit with a behavioral health provider. Results: Adherence to several opioid prescribing guidelines improved in the postimplementation year compared with the preimplementation year: (1) the proportions of COT patients with a signed opioid treatment agreement and urine drug testing increased from 49% to 63% and 66% to 86%, respectively. The proportion of COT patients with a documented assessment of functional status increased from 33% to 46% and those with a behavioral health visit increased from 24% to 28%. However, there was a small decline in the proportion of patients prescribed COT from 3.4% to 3.1%. Discussion: Implementation of an opioid dashboard led to increased adherence to certain opioid practice guidelines and a decline in COT. This may be attributable to more efficient team-based pain management facilitated by the dashboard and increased transparency of opioid prescription practices. Health Information Technology solutions such as clinical dashboards can increase adherence to practice guidelines. PMID:25411860

Functional Loss of Bmsei Causes Thermosensitive Epilepsy in Contractile Mutant Silkworm, Bombyx mori

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Hongyi; Cheng, Tingcai; Huang, Xiaofeng; Zhou, Mengting; Zhang, Yinxia; Dai, Fangyin; Mita, Kazuei; Xia, Qingyou; Liu, Chun

2015-07-01

The thermoprotective mechanisms of insects remain largely unknown. We reported the Bombyx mori contractile (cot) behavioral mutant with thermo-sensitive seizures phenotype. At elevated temperatures, the cot mutant exhibit seizures associated with strong contractions, rolling, vomiting, and a temporary lack of movement. We narrowed a region containing cot to ~268 kb by positional cloning and identified the mutant gene as Bmsei which encoded a potassium channel protein. Bmsei was present in both the cell membrane and cytoplasm in wild-type ganglia but faint in cot. Furthermore, Bmsei was markedly decreased upon high temperature treatment in cot mutant. With the RNAi method and injecting potassium channel blockers, the wild type silkworm was induced the cot phenotype. These results demonstrated that Bmsei was responsible for the cot mutant phenotype and played an important role in thermoprotection in silkworm. Meanwhile, comparative proteomic approach was used to investigate the proteomic differences. The results showed that the protein of Hsp-1 and Tn1 were significantly decreased and increased on protein level in cot mutant after thermo-stimulus, respectively. Our data provide insights into the mechanism of thermoprotection in insect. As cot phenotype closely resembles human epilepsy, cot might be a potential model for the mechanism of epilepsy in future.

Functional Loss of Bmsei Causes Thermosensitive Epilepsy in Contractile Mutant Silkworm, Bombyx mori

PubMed Central

Nie, Hongyi; Cheng, Tingcai; Huang, Xiaofeng; Zhou, Mengting; Zhang, Yinxia; Dai, Fangyin; Mita, Kazuei; Xia, Qingyou; Liu, Chun

2015-01-01

The thermoprotective mechanisms of insects remain largely unknown. We reported the Bombyx mori contractile (cot) behavioral mutant with thermo-sensitive seizures phenotype. At elevated temperatures, the cot mutant exhibit seizures associated with strong contractions, rolling, vomiting, and a temporary lack of movement. We narrowed a region containing cot to ~268 kb by positional cloning and identified the mutant gene as Bmsei which encoded a potassium channel protein. Bmsei was present in both the cell membrane and cytoplasm in wild-type ganglia but faint in cot. Furthermore, Bmsei was markedly decreased upon high temperature treatment in cot mutant. With the RNAi method and injecting potassium channel blockers, the wild type silkworm was induced the cot phenotype. These results demonstrated that Bmsei was responsible for the cot mutant phenotype and played an important role in thermoprotection in silkworm. Meanwhile, comparative proteomic approach was used to investigate the proteomic differences. The results showed that the protein of Hsp-1 and Tn1 were significantly decreased and increased on protein level in cot mutant after thermo-stimulus, respectively. Our data provide insights into the mechanism of thermoprotection in insect. As cot phenotype closely resembles human epilepsy, cot might be a potential model for the mechanism of epilepsy in future. PMID:26198671

Integrated in silico and biological validation of the blocking effect of Cot-1 DNA on Microarray-CGH.

PubMed

Kang, Seung-Hui; Park, Chan Hee; Jeung, Hei Cheul; Kim, Ki-Yeol; Rha, Sun Young; Chung, Hyun Cheol

2007-06-01

In array-CGH, various factors may act as variables influencing the result of experiments. Among them, Cot-1 DNA, which has been used as a repetitive sequence-blocking agent, may become an artifact-inducing factor in BAC array-CGH. To identify the effect of Cot-1 DNA on Microarray-CGH experiments, Cot-1 DNA was labeled directly and Microarray-CGH experiments were performed. The results confirmed that probes which hybridized more completely with Cot-1 DNA had a higher sequence similarity to the Alu element. Further, in the sex-mismatched Microarray-CGH experiments, the variation and intensity in the fluorescent signal were reduced in the high intensity probe group in which probes were better hybridized with Cot-1 DNA. Otherwise, those of the low intensity probe group showed no alterations regardless of Cot-1 DNA. These results confirmed by in silico methods that Cot-1 DNA could block repetitive sequences in gDNA and probes. In addition, it was confirmed biologically that the blocking effect of Cot-1 DNA could be presented via its repetitive sequences, especially Alu elements. Thus, in contrast to BAC-array CGH, the use of Cot-1 DNA is advantageous in controlling experimental variation in Microarray-CGH.

Towards an exact correlated orbital theory for electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartlett, Rodney J.

2009-12-01

The formal and computational attraction of effective one-particle theories like Hartree-Fock and density functional theory raise the question of how far such approaches can be taken to offer exact results for selected properties of electrons in atoms, molecules, and solids. Some properties can be exactly described within an effective one-particle theory, like principal ionization potentials and electron affinities. This fact can be used to develop equations for a correlated orbital theory (COT) that guarantees a correct one-particle energy spectrum. They are built upon a coupled-cluster based frequency independent self-energy operator presented here, which distinguishes the approach from Dyson theory. The COT also offers an alternative to Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT), whose objective is to represent the electronic density exactly as a single determinant, while paying less attention to the energy spectrum. For any estimate of two-electron terms COT offers a litmus test of its accuracy for principal Ip's and Ea's. This feature for approximating the COT equations is illustrated numerically.

A 10-yr Analysis of Chronic Pelvic Pain and Chronic Opioid Therapy in the Women Veteran Population.

PubMed

Cichowski, Sara B; Rogers, Rebecca G; Komesu, Yuko; Murata, Erin; Qualls, Clifford; Murata, Allison; Murata, Glen

2018-05-18

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects an estimated 30% of women Veterans. Previous research shows high rates of narcotic abuse in the women Veteran population. Narcotics are not recommended for the treatment of CPP. Understanding how CPP impacts narcotic prescribing in the women Veteran population is critical to addressing the public health crisis of opioid abuse. Our objective was to compare chronic opioid therapy (COT) prescribed 5 yr prior to and following CPP diagnosis and to identify predictors of COT as well as adverse events associated with COT. We choose to look at 10 yr of data because we thought this time period would provide unique insight into the longitudinal associations of CPP and COT and was available in the database. Women with non-cancer CPP were included for analyses from the Veteran's Affairs Corporate Database Warehouse. COT was defined as 90 d of opiates/calendar year for each of the 5 yr proceeding and following the diagnosis of CPP. Patient characteristics and potential variables influencing COT were collected. We compared baseline demographics between the women who received COT to the women who did not receive COT to find additional demographic predictors of COT in association with CPP. Multivariable analysis identified predictors of COT in this population of women with CPP. We utilized an interrupted time series analysis to understand the impact of the diagnosis of CPP on COT. A total of 49,601 women met inclusion criteria with an average age of 40.1 ± 11.5 yr; 37.3% self-characterized as being a racial minority and 24% had a history of military sexual trauma. Chronic use increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the 5 yr preceding the diagnosis of CPP from 6.3% (n = 3124) of women at time -5 to 13.6% (n = 6746) at time 0. In the first year following the diagnosis of CPP, 16.8% (n = 8,333) of women with CPP met the criteria for COT (p < 0.001) and 15% (n = 7440) of women with CPP remained in the COT group for the remaining 5 yr following the diagnosis. On average women in the COT group had 250-292 d of opioids/year. When comparing women who received chronic narcotics following the diagnosis of CPP versus those who did not receive chronic narcotics, women who received COT were older, more likely to smoke and more frequently diagnosed with other pain conditions such as back pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia. (All p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, predictors of COT following CPP diagnosis included prior COT (OR = 10.0 (95% CI 9.4, 10.6), a positive history of military sexual trauma, smoking, and other chronic pain conditions. The distinct pattern of prescribing shown in this cohort may mean COT is prescribed for CPP and this prescribing pattern contributes to the adverse events associated with COT. As COT is not recommended for CPP, physicians need more education on the therapies available to help CPP patients.

Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Commercial Cells: Past, Present and Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spurrett, R.; Simmons, N.; Pearson, C.; Dudley, G.

2008-09-01

This paper describes the very early development and applications of Lithium-ion battery technology to space missions. This development was performed by ABSL (then AEA Technology) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the British National Space Centre (BNSC).A key factor in the establishment of lithium-ion as the Space battery chemistry of choice was the availability of high-quality commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cells that enabled short experimental missions to be flown with confidence. Over time it was realized that the application of COTS cells was wider than originally thought, as the cycle life and uniformity of one particular commercial cell enabled larger batteries and longer mission to be addressed.This paper documents the historical development of this ground-breaking European innovation and a vision of the role of the COTS based batteries in future missions.

Goal Structured Notation in a Radiation Hardening Safety Case for COTS-Based Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witulski, Arthur; Austin, Rebekah; Reed, Robert; Karsai, Gabor; Mahadevan, Nag; Sierawski, Brian; Evans, John; LaBel, Ken

2016-01-01

A systematic approach is presented to constructing a radiation assurance case using Goal Structured Notation (GSN) for spacecraft containing COTS parts. The GSN paradigm is applied to an SRAM single-event upset experiment board designed to fly on a CubeSat November 2016. Construction of a radiation assurance case without use of hardened parts or extensive radiation testing is discussed.

GRC GSFC TDRSS Waveform Metrics Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mortensen, Dale J.

2013-01-01

The report presents software metrics and porting metrics for the GGT Waveform. The porting was from a ground-based COTS SDR, the SDR-3000, to the CoNNeCT JPL SDR. The report does not address any of the Operating Environment (OE) software development, nor the original TDRSS waveform development at GSFC for the COTS SDR. With regard to STRS, the report presents compliance data and lessons learned.

Prevalence of prescription opioid use disorder among chronic opioid therapy patients after health plan opioid dose and risk reduction initiatives.

PubMed

Von Korff, Michael; Walker, Rod L; Saunders, Kathleen; Shortreed, Susan M; Thakral, Manu; Parchman, Michael; Hansen, Ryan N; Ludman, Evette; Sherman, Karen J; Dublin, Sascha

2017-08-01

No studies have assessed the comparative effectiveness of guideline-recommended interventions to reduce risk of prescription opioid use disorder among chronic opioid therapy (COT) patients. We compared the prevalence of prescription opioid use disorder among COT patients from intervention clinics that had implemented opioid dose and risk reduction initiatives for more than 4 years relative to control clinics that had not. After a healthcare system in Washington State implemented interventions to reduce opioid dose and risks, we surveyed 1588 adult primary care COT patients to compare the prevalence of prescription opioid use disorder among COT patients from the intervention and control clinics. Intervention clinics managed COT patients at lower COT doses and with more consistent use of risk reduction practices. Control clinics cared for similar COT patients but prescribed higher opioid doses and used COT risk reduction practices inconsistently. Prescription opioid use disorder was assessed with the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders. The prevalence of prescription opioid use disorder was 21.5% (95% CI=18.9% to 24.4%) among COT patients in the intervention clinics and 23.9% (95% CI=20.5% to 27.6%) among COT patients in the control clinics. The adjusted relative risk of prescription opioid use disorder was 1.08 (95% CI=0.89, 1.32) among the control clinic patients relative to the intervention clinic patients. Long-term implementation of opioid dose and risk reduction initiatives was not associated with lower rates of prescription opioid use disorder among prevalent COT patients. Extreme caution should be exercised by clinicians considering COT for patients with chronic non-cancer pain until benefits of this treatment and attendant risks are clarified. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Involvement of Cot/Tp12 in bone loss during periodontitis.

PubMed

Ohnishi, T; Okamoto, A; Kakimoto, K; Bandow, K; Chiba, N; Matsuguchi, T

2010-02-01

Periodontitis causes resorption of alveolar bone, in which RANKL induces osteoclastogenesis. The binding of lipopolysaccharide to Toll-like receptors causes phosphorylation of Cot/Tp12 to activate the MAPK cascade. Previous in vitro studies showed that Cot/Tp12 was essential for the induction of RANKL expression by lipopolysaccharide. In this study, we examined whether Cot/Tp12 deficiency reduced the progression of alveolar bone loss and osteoclastogenesis during experimental periodontitis. We found that the extent of alveolar bone loss and osteoclastogenesis induced by ligature-induced periodontitis was decreased in Cot/Tp12-deficient mice. In addition, reduction of RANKL expression was observed in periodontal tissues of Cot/Tp12-deficient mice with experimental periodontitis. Furthermore, we found that Cot/Tp12 was involved in the induction of TNF-alpha mRNA expression in gingiva of mice with experimental periodontitis. Our observations suggested that Cot/Tp12 is essential for the progression of alveolar bone loss and osteoclastogenesis in periodontal tissue during experimental periodontitis mediated through increased RANKL expression.

Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Efficacy and Safety of UDCA-Based Therapies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

PubMed Central

Zhu, Gui-Qi; Shi, Ke-Qing; Huang, Sha; Huang, Gui-Qian; Lin, Yi-Qian; Zhou, Zhi-Rui; Braddock, Martin; Chen, Yong-Ping; Zheng, Ming-Hua

2015-01-01

Abstract Major ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-based therapies for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) include UDCA only, or combined with either methotrexate (MTX), corticosteroids (COT), colchicine (COC), or bezafibrate (BEF). As the optimum treatment regimen is unclear and warrants exploration, we aimed to compare these therapies in terms of patient mortality or liver transplantation (MOLT) and adverse events (AE). PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for randomized controlled trials up to August 31, 2014. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) for MOLT and odds ratios (ORs) for AE. A sensitivity analysis based on the dose of UDCA was also executed. Thirty-one eligible articles were included. Compared with COT plus UDCA, UDCA (HR 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–1.39), BEF plus UDCA (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.02–4.83), COC plus UDCA (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.07–2.25), MTX plus UDCA (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.05–1.63), or OBS (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.11–2.01) all provided an increased risk of MOLT. With respect to drug AE profile, although not differing appreciably, BEF plus UDCA was associated with more AEs compared with UDCA (OR 3.16, 95% CI 0.59–20.67), COT plus UDCA (OR 2.27, 95% CI 0.15–33.36), COC plus UDCA (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.09–12.16), MTX plus UDCA (OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.23–17.82), or OBS (OR 3.00, 95% CI 0.53–20.75). The results of sensitivity analyses were highly consistent with previous analyses. COT plus UDCA was the optimal UDCA-based regimen for both MOLT and AEs. BEF plus UDCA was most likely to cause AEs, whereas monotherapy with UDCA and coadministriation of COT plus UDCA appeared to be associated with the fewest AEs for PBC treatment. PMID:25789951

Allocations for HANDI 2000 business management system

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

Wilson, D.

The Data Integration 2000 Project will result in an integrated and comprehensive set of functional applications containing core information necessary to support the Project Hanford Management Contract. It is based on the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf product solution with commercially proven business processes. The COTS product solution set, of PassPort and People Soft software, supports finance, supply and chemical management/Material Safety Data Sheet, human resources. Allocations at Fluor Daniel Hanford are burdens added to base costs using a predetermined rate.

Radiation Tolerant, FPGA-Based SmallSat Computer System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaMeres, Brock J.; Crum, Gary A.; Martinez, Andres; Petro, Andrew

2015-01-01

The Radiation Tolerant, FPGA-based SmallSat Computer System (RadSat) computing platform exploits a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with real-time partial reconfiguration to provide increased performance, power efficiency and radiation tolerance at a fraction of the cost of existing radiation hardened computing solutions. This technology is ideal for small spacecraft that require state-of-the-art on-board processing in harsh radiation environments but where using radiation hardened processors is cost prohibitive.

Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Demonstrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindenmoyer, Allan

2006-01-01

U.S. space policy directs pursuit of commercial opportunities for providing transportation and other services low Earth orbit and beyond. COTS Project established to implement policy. COTS strategy: Phase 1) Assist industry with system development/demonstrations (COTS Demos); Phase 2) Procure commercial services for ISS logistics support. COTS Demonstrations competition completed in 10 months. Two industry partners selected for funded Space Act Agreements: 1) SpaceX & Rocketplane-Kistler; and 2) Unfunded Space Act Agreements in work with other competitors. COTS budget of $500 M thru 2010, with pay for performance milestone approach. Cargo flight demonstrations planned for 2008 and 2009: Crew flight demonstration options for 2011-2012. Commercial cargo transportation services potentially available as early as 2009-2010. Successful COTS partners may open new space markets and provide reliable, cost effective cargo and crew transportation services, a new era for commercial space.

Region and database management for HANDI 2000 business management system

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

Wilson, D.

The Data Integration 2000 Project will result in an integrated and comprehensive set of functional applications containing core information necessary to support the Project Hanford Management Contract. It is based on the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf product solution with commercially proven business processes. The COTS product solution set, of PassPort and People Soft software, supports finance, supply and chemical management/Material Safety Data Sheet, human resources.

Phosphorylation of threonine 290 in the activation loop of Tpl2/Cot is necessary but not sufficient for kinase activity.

PubMed

Luciano, Brenda S; Hsu, Sang; Channavajhala, Padma L; Lin, Lih-Ling; Cuozzo, John W

2004-12-10

Cot/Tpl2/MAP3K8 is a serine/threonine kinase known to activate the ERK, p38, and JNK kinase pathways. Studies of Tpl2 knock-out mice reveal a clear defect in tumor necrosis factor-alpha production, although very little detail is known about its regulation and the signaling events involved. In the present study we demonstrated that phosphorylation of Cot was required for its maximal activity as phosphatase treatment of Cot decreased its kinase activity. The Cot sequence contains a conserved threonine at position 290 in the activation loop of the kinase domain. We found that mutation of this residue to alanine eliminated its ability to activate MEK/ERK and NF-kappaB pathways, whereas a phosphomimetic mutation to aspartic acid could rescue the ability to activate MEK. Thr-290 was also required for robust autophosphorylation of Cot. Antibody generated to phospho-Thr-290-Cot recognized both wild-type and kinase-dead Cot, suggesting that phosphorylation of Thr-290 did not occur through autophosphorylation but via another kinase. We showed that Cot was constitutively phosphorylated at Thr-290 in transfected human embryonic kidney 293T cells as well as human monocytes as this residue was phosphorylated in unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells to the same degree. Treatment with herbimycin A inhibited Cot activity in the MEK/ERK pathway but did not inhibit phosphorylation at Thr-290. Together these results showed that phosphorylation of Cot at Thr-290 is necessary but not sufficient for full kinase activity in the MEK/ERK pathway.

Real-Time On-Board Airborne Demonstration of High-Speed On-Board Data Processing for Science Instruments (HOPS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Ng, Tak-Kwong; Davis, Mitchell J.; Adams, James K.; Bowen, Stephen C.; Fay, James J.; Hutchinson, Mark A.

2015-01-01

The project called High-Speed On-Board Data Processing for Science Instruments (HOPS) has been funded by NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) program since April, 2012. The HOPS team recently completed two flight campaigns during the summer of 2014 on two different aircrafts with two different science instruments. The first flight campaign was in July, 2014 based at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) in Hampton, VA on the NASA's HU-25 aircraft. The science instrument that flew with HOPS was Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days, and Seasons (ASCENDS) CarbonHawk Experiment Simulator (ACES) funded by NASA's Instrument Incubator Program (IIP). The second campaign was in August, 2014 based at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) in Palmdale, CA on the NASA's DC-8 aircraft. HOPS flew with the Multifunctional Fiber Laser Lidar (MFLL) instrument developed by Excelis Inc. The goal of the campaigns was to perform an end-to-end demonstration of the capabilities of the HOPS prototype system (HOPS COTS) while running the most computationally intensive part of the ASCENDS algorithm real-time on-board. The comparison of the two flight campaigns and the results of the functionality tests of the HOPS COTS are presented in this paper.

Radiation Test Results on COTS and non-COTS Electronic Devices for NASA-JSC Space Flight Projects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allums, Kimberly K.; O'Neill, P. M.; Reddell, B. D.; Nguyen, K. V.; Bailey, C. R.

2012-01-01

This presentation reports the results of recent proton and heavy ion Single Event Effect (SEE) testing on a variety of COTS and non-COTs electronic devices and assemblies tested for the Space Shuttle, International Space Station (ISS) and Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV).

Lower Crustal Strength Controls on Melting and Serpentinization at Magma-Poor Margins: Potential Implications for the South Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ros, Elena; Pérez-Gussinyé, Marta; Araújo, Mario; Thoaldo Romeiro, Marco; Andrés-Martínez, Miguel; Morgan, Jason P.

2017-12-01

Rifted continental margins may present a predominantly magmatic continent-ocean transition (COT), or one characterized by large exposures of serpentinized mantle. In this study we use numerical modeling to show the importance of the lower crustal strength in controlling the amount and onset of melting and serpentinization during rifting. We propose that the relative timing between both events controls the nature of the COT. Numerical experiments for half-extension velocities <=10 mm/yr suggest there is a genetic link between margin tectonic style and COT nature that strongly depends on the lower crustal strength. Our results imply that very slow extension velocities (< 5 mm/yr) and a strong lower crust lead to margins characterized by large oceanward dipping faults, strong syn-rift subsidence and abrupt crustal tapering beneath the continental shelf. These margins can be either narrow symmetric or asymmetric and present a COT with exhumed serpentinized mantle underlain by some magmatic products. In contrast, a weak lower crust promotes margins with a gentle crustal tapering, small faults dipping both ocean- and landward and small syn-rift subsidence. Their COT is predominantly magmatic at any ultra-slow extension velocity and perhaps underlain by some serpentinized mantle. These margins can also be either symmetric or asymmetric. Our models predict that magmatic underplating mostly underlies the wide margin at weak asymmetric conjugates, whereas the wide margin is mainly underlain by serpentinized mantle at strong asymmetric margins. Based on this conceptual template, we propose different natures for the COTs in the South Atlantic.

A Probabilistic Software System Attribute Acceptance Paradigm for COTS Software Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, A. Terry

2005-01-01

Standard software requirement formats are written from top-down perspectives only, that is, from an ideal notion of a client s needs. Despite the exactness of the standard format, software and system errors in designed systems have abounded. Bad and inadequate requirements have resulted in cost overruns, schedule slips and lost profitability. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software components are even more troublesome than designed systems because they are often provided as is and subsequently delivered with unsubstantiated validation of described capabilities. For COTS software, there needs to be a way to express the client s software needs in a consistent and formal manner using software system attributes derived from software quality standards. Additionally, the format needs to be amenable to software evaluation processes that integrate observable evidence garnered from historical data. This paper presents a paradigm that effectively bridges the gap between what a client desires (top-down) and what has been demonstrated (bottom-up) for COTS software evaluation. The paradigm addresses the specification of needs before the software evaluation is performed and can be used to increase the shared understanding between clients and software evaluators about what is required and what is technically possible.

Goal Structuring Notation in a Radiation Hardening Assurance Case for COTS-Based Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witulski, Arthur; Austin, Rebekah; Evans, John; Mahadevan, Nag; Karsai, Gabor; Sierawski, Brian; LaBel, Ken; Reed, Robert; Schrimpf, Ron

2016-01-01

A systematic approach is presented to constructing a radiation assurance case using Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) for spacecraft containing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts. The GSN paradigm is applied to an SRAM single-event upset experiment board designed to fly on a CubeSat November 2016. Construction of a radiation assurance case without use of hardened parts or extensive radiation testing is discussed.

Time-Domain Terahertz Computed Axial Tomography NDE System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimdars, David

2012-01-01

NASA has identified the need for advanced non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods to characterize aging and durability in aircraft materials to improve the safety of the nation's airline fleet. 3D THz tomography can play a major role in detection and characterization of flaws and degradation in aircraft materials, including Kevlar-based composites and Kevlar and Zylon fabric covers for soft-shell fan containment where aging and durability issues are critical. A prototype computed tomography (CT) time-domain (TD) THz imaging system has been used to generate 3D images of several test objects including a TUFI tile (a thermal protection system tile used on the Space Shuttle and possibly the Orion or similar capsules). This TUFI tile had simulated impact damage that was located and the depth of damage determined. The CT motion control gan try was designed and constructed, and then integrated with a T-Ray 4000 control unit and motion controller to create a complete CT TD-THz imaging system prototype. A data collection software script was developed that takes multiple z-axis slices in sequence and saves the data for batch processing. The data collection software was integrated with the ability to batch process the slice data with the CT TD-THz image reconstruction software. The time required to take a single CT slice was decreased from six minutes to approximately one minute by replacing the 320 ps, 100-Hz waveform acquisition system with an 80 ps, 1,000-Hz waveform acquisition system. The TD-THZ computed tomography system was built from pre-existing commercial off-the-shelf subsystems. A CT motion control gantry was constructed from COTS components that can handle larger samples. The motion control gantry allows inspection of sample sizes of up to approximately one cubic foot (.0.03 cubic meters). The system reduced to practice a CT-TDTHz system incorporating a COTS 80- ps/l-kHz waveform scanner. The incorporation of this scanner in the system allows acquisition of 3D slice data with better signal-to-noise using a COTS scanner rather than the gchirped h scanner. The system also reduced to practice a prototype for commercial CT systems for insulating materials where safety concerns cannot accommodate x-ray. A software script was written to automate the COTS software to collect and process TD-THz CT data.

Cot/Tpl-2 protein kinase as a target for the treatment of inflammatory disease.

PubMed

George, D; Salmeron, A

2009-01-01

Cot/Tpl-2/MAP3K8 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is essential for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of the MEK/ERK pathway in macrophages as demonstrated in Cot/Tpl-2-deficient mice. Cot/Tpl-2 kinase activation plays an integral role in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IL-1beta in this immune cell type. Elevated levels of these cytokines have been clinically implicated as mediators of a number of autoimmune diseases, in particular, the pain and joint destruction of rheumatoid arthritis. By inference, pharmaceutical agents that inhibit Cot/Tpl-2 kinase have the potential to be novel and effective therapies for the treatment of these diseases. This review will describe the physiological regulation and importance of Cot/Tpl-2 in inflammation as well as the landscape of small molecules that have been reported as Cot/Tpl-2 inhibitors.

Use of COTS Batteries on ISS and Shuttle: Payload Safety and Mission Success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeevarajan, Judith A.

2004-01-01

Contents: Current program requirements; Challenges with COTS batteries; manned vehicle COTS methodology in use; List of typical flight COTS batteries; Energy content and toxicity; Hazards, failure modes and controls for different battery chemistries; JSC test details; List of incidents from Consumer Protection Safety Commission; Conclusions ans recommendations.

Indirect effects of ocean acidification drive feeding and growth of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci.

PubMed

Kamya, Pamela Z; Byrne, Maria; Mos, Benjamin; Hall, Lauren; Dworjanyn, Symon A

2017-06-14

The indirect effects of changing climate in modulating trophic interactions can be as important as the direct effects of climate stressors on consumers. The success of the herbivorous juvenile stage of the crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), Acanthaster planci, may be affected by the impacts of ocean conditions on its crustose coralline algal (CCA) food. To partition the direct effects of near future ocean acidification on juvenile COTS and indirect effects through changes in their CCA food, COTS were grown in three pH T levels (7.9, 7.8, 7.6) and fed CCA grown at similar pH levels. Consumption of CCA by COTS was bolstered when the COTS were grown in low pH and when they were fed CCA grown in low pH regardless of the pH in which the COTS were reared. COTS fed CCA grown at pH 7.6 grew fastest, but the pH/ p CO 2 that the COTS were reared in had no direct effect on growth. Ocean acidification conditions decreased the C : N ratio and carbonate levels in the CCA. Bolstered growth in COTS may be driven by enhanced palatability, increased nutritive state and reduced defences of their CCA food. These results indicate that near future acidification will increase the success of early juvenile COTS and boost recruitment into the coral-eating life stage. © 2017 The Author(s).

Sterile inflammation in acetaminophen-induced liver injury is mediated by Cot/tpl2.

PubMed

Sanz-Garcia, Carlos; Ferrer-Mayorga, Gemma; González-Rodríguez, Águeda; Valverde, Angela M; Martín-Duce, Antonio; Velasco-Martín, Juan P; Regadera, Javier; Fernández, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2013-05-24

Cot/tpl2 (MAP3K8) activates MKK1/2-Erk1/2 following stimulation of the Toll-like/IL-1 receptor superfamily. Here, we investigated the role of Cot/tpl2 in sterile inflammation and drug-induced liver toxicity. Cot/tpl2 KO mice exhibited reduced hepatic injury after acetaminophen challenge, as evidenced by decreased serum levels of both alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, decreased hepatic necrosis, and increased survival relative to Wt mice. Serum levels of both alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were also lower after intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen in mice expressing an inactive form of Cot/tpl2 compared with Wt mice, suggesting that Cot/tpl2 activity contributes to acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Furthermore, Cot/tpl2 deficiency reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration in the liver of mice treated with acetaminophen, as well as their hepatic and systemic levels of IL-1α. Intraperitoneal injection of damage-associated molecular patterns from necrotic hepatocytes also impaired the recruitment of leukocytes and decreased the levels of several cytokines in the peritoneal cavity in Cot/tpl2 KO mice compared with Wt counterparts. Moreover, similar activation profiles of intracellular pathways were observed in Wt macrophages stimulated with Wt or Cot/tpl2 KO damage-associated molecular patterns. However, upon stimulation with damage-associated molecular patterns, the activation of Erk1/2 and JNK was deficient in Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages compared with their Wt counterparts; an effect accompanied by weaker release of several cytokines, including IL-1α, an important component in the development of sterile inflammation. Taken together, these findings indicate that Cot/tpl2 contributes to acetaminophen-induced liver injury, providing some insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Functional roles of Cot/Tpl2 in mast cell responses to lipopolysaccharide and FcεRI-clustering.

PubMed

Chiba, Norika; Kakimoto, Kyoko; Masuda, Akio; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya

2010-11-05

Cot/Tpl2, a member of MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK), is indispensable for the ERK activation, as well as the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and PGE(2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. However, the expression and the functional roles of Cot/Tpl2 in mast cells have not been elucidated. The administration of LPS impairs allergic airway inflammation in a mast cell-dependent manner, and LPS stimulates mast cells to produce not only pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, but also Th2-type cytokines, such as IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13. Here, we examine the role of Cot/Tpl2 by using bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from cot/tpl2 gene-deficient mice. Phosphorylation of ERKs was significantly decreased, whereas that of JNKs and p38 kinase was normal in LPS-stimulated cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs compared with wild-type counterparts. LPS-induced mRNA increase was significantly impaired for IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and TNF-α, but was normal for IL-6, in cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs. On the other hand, degranulation by FcεRI-clustering from cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs was significantly enhanced compared with the WT control. Although the phosphorylation of ERKs and p38 kinase by FcεRI-clustering was similar in WT and cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs, the phosphorylation of Syk was significantly enhanced in cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs, which seemed to be due to the increased protein concentration of Syk. These results imply the functional importance of Cot/Tpl2 in mast cells during the course of allergic diseases such as asthma. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sterile Inflammation in Acetaminophen-induced Liver Injury Is Mediated by Cot/tpl2*

PubMed Central

Sanz-Garcia, Carlos; Ferrer-Mayorga, Gemma; González-Rodríguez, Águeda; Valverde, Ángela M.; Martín-Duce, Antonio; Velasco-Martín, Juan P.; Regadera, Javier; Fernández, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2013-01-01

Cot/tpl2 (MAP3K8) activates MKK1/2-Erk1/2 following stimulation of the Toll-like/IL-1 receptor superfamily. Here, we investigated the role of Cot/tpl2 in sterile inflammation and drug-induced liver toxicity. Cot/tpl2 KO mice exhibited reduced hepatic injury after acetaminophen challenge, as evidenced by decreased serum levels of both alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, decreased hepatic necrosis, and increased survival relative to Wt mice. Serum levels of both alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were also lower after intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen in mice expressing an inactive form of Cot/tpl2 compared with Wt mice, suggesting that Cot/tpl2 activity contributes to acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Furthermore, Cot/tpl2 deficiency reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration in the liver of mice treated with acetaminophen, as well as their hepatic and systemic levels of IL-1α. Intraperitoneal injection of damage-associated molecular patterns from necrotic hepatocytes also impaired the recruitment of leukocytes and decreased the levels of several cytokines in the peritoneal cavity in Cot/tpl2 KO mice compared with Wt counterparts. Moreover, similar activation profiles of intracellular pathways were observed in Wt macrophages stimulated with Wt or Cot/tpl2 KO damage-associated molecular patterns. However, upon stimulation with damage-associated molecular patterns, the activation of Erk1/2 and JNK was deficient in Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages compared with their Wt counterparts; an effect accompanied by weaker release of several cytokines, including IL-1α, an important component in the development of sterile inflammation. Taken together, these findings indicate that Cot/tpl2 contributes to acetaminophen-induced liver injury, providing some insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms. PMID:23572518

Issues and Methods for Assessing COTS Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneidewind, Norman F.; Nikora, Allen P.

1998-01-01

Many vendors produce products that are not domain specific (e.g., network server) and have limited functionality (e.g., mobile phone). In contrast, many customers of COTS develop systems that am domain specific (e.g., target tracking system) and have great variability in functionality (e.g., corporate information system). This discussion takes the viewpoint of how the customer can ensure the quality of COTS components. In evaluating the benefits and costs of using COTS, we must consider the environment in which COTS will operate. Thus we must distinguish between using a non-mission critical application like a spreadsheet program to produce a budget and a mission critical application like military strategic and tactical operations. Whereas customers will tolerate an occasional bug in the former, zero tolerance is the rule in the latter. We emphasize the latter because this is the arena where there are major unresolved problems in the application of COTS. Furthermore, COTS components may be embedded in the larger customer system. We refer to these as embedded systems. These components must be reliable, maintainable, and available, and must be with the larger system in order for the customer to benefit from the advertised advantages of lower development and maintenance costs. Interestingly, when the claims of COTS advantages are closely examined, one finds that to a great extent these COTS components consist of hardware and office products, not mission critical software [1]. Obviously, COTS components are different from custom components with respect to one or more of the following attributes: source, development paradigm, safety, reliability, maintainability, availability, security, and other attributes. However, the important question is whether they should be treated differently when deciding to deploy them for operational use; we suggest the answer is no. We use reliability as an example to justify our answer. In order to demonstrate its reliability, a COTS component must pass the same reliability evaluations as the custom components, otherwise the COTS components will be the weakest link in the chain of components and will be the determinant of software system reliability. The challenge is that there will be less information available for evaluating COTS components than for custom components but this does not mean we should despair and do nothing. Actually, there is a lot we can do even in the absence of documentation on COTS components because the customer will have information about how COTS components are to be used in the larger system. To illustrate our approach, we will consider the reliability, maintainability, and availability (RMA) of COTS components as used in larger systems. Finally, COTS suppliers might consider increasing visibility into their products to assist customers in determining the components' fitness for use in a particular application. We offer ideas of information that would be useful to customers, and what vendors might do to provide it.

Electronic Packaging for Space Applications Workshop 1999

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandor, Mike; Agarwal, Shri; Villegas, Enrique

1999-01-01

This paper presents viewgraphs on the Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Program. The topics include: 1) Advocacy for COTS; 2) MARS01 Program/Requirements; 3) MARS01 COTS Screening Flow; 4) Test Results-Electrical, C-Sam, Burn-In; 5) Value Added Analysis (Risk Reduction); 6) Value Added Analysis (Cost); 7) Impact of COTS ++ Screening and 8) Summary.

48 CFR 22.1803 - Contract clause.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... COTS items, but for minor modifications (as defined at paragraph (3)(ii) of the definition of “commercial item” at 2.101); (3) Items that would be COTS items if they were not bulk cargo; or (4) Commercial services that are— (i) Part of the purchase of a COTS item (or an item that would be a COTS item, but for...

75 FR 77739 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Uniform Suspension and Debarment Requirement

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-13

...-the-shelf (COTS) items; and In the case of commercial items, such term includes only the first-tier subcontracts. This has the effect, except for COTS items, of expanding the requirement of 2455(a), which states... for COTS items; subcontractors for COTS items will not be required to disclose to the prime contractor...

Timeliness of Care Planning upon Initiation of Chronic Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain.

PubMed

Von Korff, Michael; Turner, Judith A; Shortreed, Susan M; Saunders, Kathleen; Rosenberg, Dori; Thielke, Stephen; LeResche, Linda

2016-03-01

Chronic opioid therapy (COT) guidelines recommend developing a COT care plan at the initiation of COT. Assess the timeliness of care planning upon initiation of COT. Observational cohort study in a setting incentivizing and tracking documentation of COT care plans in electronic health records (EHRs). Study participants (N = 896) were aged 45 years or older, had initiated an episode of opioid use within the prior 6 months, and reported regular use of prescription analgesics when screened for a baseline interview about 3 months after an index opioid prescription MEASURES: A timely care plan was defined by an EHR documented care plan prior to or within 4 months after the index opioid prescription. Among COT initiators, 30% had a timely COT care plan documented in the EHR within 4 months following index prescription, while 51% had a documented COT care plan within 12 months following index prescription. Among those interviewed at 1 year follow-up (N = 735), 252 (34.2%) reported opioid use on 7 or more days in the prior 2 weeks. Less than half (45.6%) of the 252 individuals who sustained regular opioid use at 1 year had predicted at baseline that it was somewhat, very, or extremely likely they would be using opioids regularly in 1 year. Patients initiating COT were unlikely to have timely COT care plans. Many who sustained regular opioid use at 1 year had not anticipated using opioids long term. © 2015 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Evaluation of Health Plan Interventions to Influence Chronic Opioid Therapy Prescribing

PubMed Central

Saunders, Kathleen; Shortreed, Susan; Thielke, Stephen; Turner, Judith A.; LeResche, Linda; Beck, Randi; Von Korff, Michael

2015-01-01

Objectives Evaluate health plan interventions targeting physician chronic opioid therapy (COT) prescribing. Methods In 2006, Group Health’s (GH) integrated group practice (IGP) initiated diverse interventions targeting COT prescriber norms and practices. In 2010, the IGP implemented a COT guideline, including a mandated online course for physicians managing COT. These interventions were not implemented in GH’s network practices. We compared trends in GH-IGP and network practices for 2006–12 in the percent of patients receiving COT and their opioid dose. We compared physician beliefs before versus after the mandated course and pre- to post-course changes in COT dosing for IGP physicians who took the course. Results From 2006 to 2012, mean (SE) daily opioid dose among IGP COT patients (intervention setting) declined from 74.1 (1.9) mg. morphine equivalent dose (MED) to 48.3 (1.0) mg. MED. Dose changes among GH network COT patients (control setting) were modest—88.2 (5.0) mg. MED in 2006 to 75.7 (2.3) mg. MED in 2012. Among physicians taking the mandated course in 2011, we observed pre- to post-course changes toward more conservative opioid prescribing beliefs. However, COT dosing trends did not change pre- to post-course. Discussion Following initiatives implemented to alter physician prescribing practices and norms, mean opioid dose prescribed to COT patients declined more in intervention than control practices. Physicians reported more conservative beliefs regarding opioid prescribing immediately after completing an online course in 2011, but the course was not associated with additional reductions in mean daily opioid dose prescribed by physicians completing the course. PMID:25621426

Expression of the Tpl2/Cot oncogene in human T-cell neoplasias.

PubMed

Christoforidou, Anna V; Papadaki, Helen A; Margioris, Andrew N; Eliopoulos, George D; Tsatsanis, Christos

2004-12-03

Tpl2/Cot oncogene has been identified in murine T-cell lymphomas as a target of MoMuLV insertion. Animal and tissue culture studies have shown that Tpl2/Cot is involved in interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by T-cells contributing to T-cell proliferation. In the present report we examined a series of 12 adult patients with various T-cell malignancies, all with predominant leukemic expression in the periphery, for the expression of Tpl2/Cot oncogene in order to determine a possible involvement of Tpl2/Cot in the pathogenesis of these neoplasms. Our results showed that Tpl2/Cot was overexpressed in all four patients with Large Granular Lymphocyte proliferative disorders (LGL-PDs) but in none of the remaining eight patients with other T-cell neoplasias. Interestingly, three of the LGL-PD patients displayed neutropenia, one in association with sarcoidosis. Serum TNF-alpha levels were increased in all Tpl2/Cot overexpressing patients while serum IL-2 was undetectable in all subjects studied. Genomic DNA analysis revealed no DNA amplification at the Tpl2/Cot locus in any of the samples analyzed. We conclude that Tpl2/Cot, a gene extensively studied in animal and tissue culture T-cell models may be also involved in the development of human LGL-PD and may have a role in the pathogenesis of immune manifestations associated with these diseases. This is the first report implicating Tpl2/Cot in human T-cell neoplasias and provides a novel molecular event in the development of LGL-PDs.

Measurement Comparisons Towards Improving the Understanding of Aerosol-Cloud Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noble, Stephen R.

Cloud processing of aerosol is an aerosol-cloud interaction that is not heavily researched but could have implications on climate. The three types of cloud processing are chemical processing, collision and coalescence processing, and Brownian capture of interstitial particles. All types improve cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in size or hygroscopicity (kappa). These improved CCN affect subsequent clouds. This dissertation focuses on measurement comparisons to improve our observations and understanding of aerosol-cloud processing. Particle size distributions measured at the continental Southern Great Plains (SGP) site were compared with ground based measurements of cloud fraction (CF) and cloud base altitude (CBA). Particle size distributions were described by a new objective shape parameter to define bimodality rather than an old subjective one. Cloudy conditions at SGP were found to be correlated with lagged shape parameter. Horizontal wind speed and regional CF explained 42%+ of this lag time. Many of these surface particle size distributions were influenced by aerosol-cloud processing. Thus, cloud processing may be more widespread with more implications than previously thought. Particle size distributions measured during two aircraft field campaigns (MArine Stratus/stratocumulus Experiment; MASE; and Ice in Cloud Experiment-Tropical; ICE-T) were compared to CCN distributions. Tuning particle size to critical supersaturation revealed hygroscopicity expressed as ? when the distributions were overlain. Distributions near cumulus clouds (ICE-T) had a higher frequency of the same ?s (48% in ICE-T to 42% in MASE) between the accumulation (processed) and Aitken (unprocessed) modes. This suggested physical processing domination in ICE-T. More MASE (stratus cloud) kappa differences between modes pointed to chemical cloud processing. Chemistry measurements made in MASE showed increases in sulfates and nitrates with distributions that were more processed. This supported chemical cloud processing in MASE. This new method to determine kappa provides the needed information without interrupting ambient measurements. MODIS derived cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud liquid water path (LWP), and cloud effective radius (re) were compared to the same in situ derived variables from cloud probe measurements of two stratus/stratocumulus cloud campaigns (MASE and Physics Of Stratocumulus Tops; POST). In situ data were from complete vertical cloud penetrations, while MODIS data were from pixels along the aircraft penetration path. Comparisons were well correlated except that MODIS LWP (14-36%) and re (20-30%) were biased high. The LWP bias was from re bias and was not improved by using the vertically stratified assumption. MODIS re bias was almost removed when compared to cloud top maximum in situ re, but, that does not describe re for the full depth of the cloud. COT is validated by in situ COT. High correlations suggest that MODIS variables are useful in self-comparisons such as gradient changes in stratus cloud re during aerosol-cloud processing.

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Electronics Reliability for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellish, Jonathan

2018-01-01

This presentation describes the accelerating use of Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) parts in space applications. Component reliability and threats in the context of the mission, environment, application, and lifetime. Provides overview of traditional approaches applied to COTS parts in flight applications, and shows challenges and potential paths forward for COTS systems in flight applications it's all about data!

The crown-of-thorns starfish genome as a guide for biocontrol of this coral reef pest.

PubMed

Hall, Michael R; Kocot, Kevin M; Baughman, Kenneth W; Fernandez-Valverde, Selene L; Gauthier, Marie E A; Hatleberg, William L; Krishnan, Arunkumar; McDougall, Carmel; Motti, Cherie A; Shoguchi, Eiichi; Wang, Tianfang; Xiang, Xueyan; Zhao, Min; Bose, Utpal; Shinzato, Chuya; Hisata, Kanako; Fujie, Manabu; Kanda, Miyuki; Cummins, Scott F; Satoh, Noriyuki; Degnan, Sandie M; Degnan, Bernard M

2017-04-05

The crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS, the Acanthaster planci species group) is a highly fecund predator of reef-building corals throughout the Indo-Pacific region. COTS population outbreaks cause substantial loss of coral cover, diminishing the integrity and resilience of reef ecosystems. Here we sequenced genomes of COTS from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and Okinawa, Japan to identify gene products that underlie species-specific communication and could potentially be used in biocontrol strategies. We focused on water-borne chemical plumes released from aggregating COTS, which make the normally sedentary starfish become highly active. Peptide sequences detected in these plumes by mass spectrometry are encoded in the COTS genome and expressed in external tissues. The exoproteome released by aggregating COTS consists largely of signalling factors and hydrolytic enzymes, and includes an expanded and rapidly evolving set of starfish-specific ependymin-related proteins. These secreted proteins may be detected by members of a large family of olfactory-receptor-like G-protein-coupled receptors that are expressed externally, sometimes in a sex-specific manner. This study provides insights into COTS-specific communication that may guide the generation of peptide mimetics for use on reefs with COTS outbreaks.

Cot/Tpl2 regulates IL-23 p19 expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages through ERK activation.

PubMed

Kakimoto, K; Musikacharoen, T; Chiba, N; Bandow, K; Ohnishi, T; Matsuguchi, T

2010-03-01

We have previously reported that a serine/threonine protein kinase, Cot/Tpl2, is a negative regulator of Th1-type immunity through inhibiting IL-12 expression in antigen presenting cells (APCs) stimulated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. We here show that Cot/Tpl2(-/-) macrophages produce significantly less IL-23, an important regulator of Th17-type response, than the wild-type counterparts in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is a ligand for TLR4. The decreased IL-23 production in Cot/Tpl2(-/-) macrophages is, at least partly, regulated at the transcriptional level, as the LPS-mediated IL-23 p19 mRNA induction was significantly less in Cot/Tpl2(-/-) macrophages. Chemical inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity similarly inhibited IL-23 expression in LPS-stimulated wild-type macrophages. As Cot/Tpl2 is an essential upstream component of the ERK activation pathway of LPS, it is suggested that Cot/Tpl2 positively regulates IL-23 expression through ERK activation. These results indicate that Cot/Tpl2 may be involved in balancing Th1/Th17 differentiation by regulating the expression ratio of IL-12 and IL-23 in APCs.

CO2 rebreathing: a possible contributory factor to some cases of sudden infant death?

PubMed

Skadberg, B T; Oterhals, A; Finborud, K; Markestad, T

1995-09-01

Physical and geometrical conditions influencing carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation near the face of a sleeping infant positioned deep in a cot or pram (open cot shaft) or underneath bedding (closed cot shaft) were investigated. By means of mathematical and data-based simulation, and an experimental rebreathing model, both hypothetical (dry, exhaled air +20 degrees C) and more physiological conditions (heated, humidified exhaled air, room temperature +20 degrees C; with and without pooling of cold air within the shaft) were tested. With exhaled air at +20 degrees C, the CO2 concentration increased to about 10% within 5 min. The increase was faster the smaller the volume, and the smaller the opening of the cot shaft. When expiratory air was heated, the CO2 concentration increased with the same speed as when the shaft was closed, but to only 0.1-0.3% when the shaft was open. Pooling of cold air in the shaft increased CO2 accumulation 70-200 times the concentration in air (to <5.5%) when the shaft was open. Turbulence of the air outside the open shaft reduced the increase in CO2 concentration. The experiments imply that CO2 may accumulate around an infant's head when placed deep in a cot or pram with the bedding and walls creating a narrow, vertical, shaft-like tunnel to the surrounding air. Although the CO2 concentration may theoretically attain dangerous levels in such circumstances, a rapid equilibrium between the air within and outside the cot usually occurs due to convection of the expiratory air and turbulence from drafts, the infant's body movements and breathing. Such factors will largely eliminated any significant rebreathing with the exception of the extreme situation when expired air is contained within a closed space.

Aberrant Expression of COT Is Related to Recurrence of Papillary Thyroid Cancer

PubMed Central

Lee, Jandee; Jeong, Seonhyang; Park, Jae Hyun; Lee, Cho Rok; Ku, Cheol Ryong; Kang, Sang-Wook; Jeong, Jong Ju; Nam, Kee-Hyun; Shin, Dong Yeob; Lee, Eun Jig; Chung, Woong Youn; Jo, Young Suk

2015-01-01

Abstract Aberrant expression of Cancer Osaka Thyroid Oncogene mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (COT) (MAP3K8) is a driver of resistance to B-RAF inhibition. However, the de novo expression and clinical implications of COT in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) have not been investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of A-, B-, C-RAF, and COT in PTC (n = 167) and analyze the clinical implications of aberrant expression of these genes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) were performed on primary thyroid cancers. Expression of COT was compared with clinicopathological characteristics including recurrence-free survival. Datasets from public repository (NCBI) were subjected to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). qPCR data showed that the relative mRNA expression of A-, B-, C-RAF and COT of PTC were higher than normal tissues (all P < 0.01). In addition, the expression of COT mRNA in PTC showed positive correlation with A- (r = 0.4083, P < 0.001), B- (r = 0.2773, P = 0.0003), and C-RAF (r = 0.5954, P < 0.001). The mRNA expressions of A-, B,- and C-RAF were also correlated with each other (all P < 0.001). In IHC, the staining intensities of B-RAF and COT were higher in PTC than in normal tissue (P < 0.001). Interestingly, moderate-to-strong staining intensities of B-RAF and COT were more frequent in B-RAFV600E-positive PTC (P < 0.001, P = 0.013, respectively). In addition, aberrant expression of COT was related to old age at initial diagnosis (P = 0.045) and higher recurrence rate (P = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, tumor recurrence was persistently associated with moderate-to-strong staining of COT after adjusting for age, sex, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, T-stage, N-stage, TNM stage, and B-RAFV600E mutation (odds ratio, 4.662; 95% confidence interval 1.066 − 21.609; P = 0.045). Moreover, moderate-to-strong COT expression in PTC was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (mean follow-up duration, 14.2 ± 4.1 years; P = 0.0403). GSEA indicated that gene sets related to B-RAF-RAS (P < 0.0001, false discovery rate [FDR] q-value = 0.000) and thyroid differentiation (P = 0.048, FDR q-value = 0.05) scores were enriched in lower COT expression group and gene sets such as T-cell receptor signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway are coordinately upregulated in higher COT expression group (both, P < 0.0001, FDR q-value = 0.000). Aberrant expression of A-, B-, and C-RAF, and COT is frequent in PTC; increased expression of COT is correlated with recurrence of PTC. PMID:25674762

Aberrant expression of COT is related to recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer.

PubMed

Lee, Jandee; Jeong, Seonhyang; Park, Jae Hyun; Lee, Cho Rok; Ku, Cheol Ryong; Kang, Sang-Wook; Jeong, Jong Ju; Nam, Kee-Hyun; Shin, Dong Yeob; Lee, Eun Jig; Chung, Woong Youn; Jo, Young Suk

2015-02-01

Aberrant expression of Cancer Osaka Thyroid Oncogene mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (COT) (MAP3K8) is a driver of resistance to B-RAF inhibition. However, the de novo expression and clinical implications of COT in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) have not been investigated.The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of A-, B-, C-RAF, and COT in PTC (n = 167) and analyze the clinical implications of aberrant expression of these genes.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) were performed on primary thyroid cancers. Expression of COT was compared with clinicopathological characteristics including recurrence-free survival. Datasets from public repository (NCBI) were subjected to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).qPCR data showed that the relative mRNA expression of A-, B-, C-RAF and COT of PTC were higher than normal tissues (all P < 0.01). In addition, the expression of COT mRNA in PTC showed positive correlation with A- (r = 0.4083, P < 0.001), B- (r = 0.2773, P = 0.0003), and C-RAF (r = 0.5954, P < 0.001). The mRNA expressions of A-, B,- and C-RAF were also correlated with each other (all P < 0.001). In IHC, the staining intensities of B-RAF and COT were higher in PTC than in normal tissue (P < 0.001). Interestingly, moderate-to-strong staining intensities of B-RAF and COT were more frequent in B-RAF-positive PTC (P < 0.001, P = 0.013, respectively). In addition, aberrant expression of COT was related to old age at initial diagnosis (P = 0.045) and higher recurrence rate (P = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, tumor recurrence was persistently associated with moderate-to-strong staining of COT after adjusting for age, sex, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, T-stage, N-stage, TNM stage, and B-RAF mutation (odds ratio, 4.662; 95% confidence interval 1.066 - 21.609; P = 0.045). Moreover, moderate-to-strong COT expression in PTC was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (mean follow-up duration, 14.2 ± 4.1 years; P = 0.0403). GSEA indicated that gene sets related to B-RAF-RAS (P < 0.0001, false discovery rate [FDR] q-value = 0.000) and thyroid differentiation (P = 0.048, FDR q-value = 0.05) scores were enriched in lower COT expression group and gene sets such as T-cell receptor signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway are coordinately upregulated in higher COT expression group (both, P < 0.0001, FDR q-value = 0.000).Aberrant expression of A-, B-, and C-RAF, and COT is frequent in PTC; increased expression of COT is correlated with recurrence of PTC.

Lessons Learned Using COTS Electronics for the International Space Station Radiation Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blumer, John H.; Roth, A. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The mantra of 'Faster, Better, Cheaper' has to a large degree been interpreted as using Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) components and/or circuit boards. One of the first space applications to actually use COTS in space along with radiation performance requirements was the Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack program, for the International Space Station (ISS). In order to meet the performance, cost and schedule targets, military grade Versa Module Eurocard (VME) was selected as the baseline design for the main computer, the Rack Interface Controller (RIC). VME was chosen as the computer backplane because of the large variety of military grade boards available, which were designed to meet the military environmental specifications (thermal, shock, vibration, etc.). These boards also have a paper pedigree in regards to components. Since these boards exceeded most ISS environmental requirements, it was reasoned using COTS mid-grade VME boards, as opposed to designing custom boards could save significant time and money. It was recognized up front the radiation environment of ISS, while benign compared to many space flight applications, would be the main challenge to using COTS. Thus in addition to selecting vendors on how well their boards met the usual performance and environmental specifications, the board's parts lists were reviewed on how well they would perform in the ISS radiation environment. However, issues with verifying that the available radiation test data was applicable to the actual part used, vendor part design changes and the fact most parts did not have valid test data soon complicated board and part selection in regards to radiation.

Characterization of an Alkali- and Halide-Resistant Laccase Expressed in E. coli: CotA from Bacillus clausii

PubMed Central

Brander, Søren; Mikkelsen, Jørn D.; Kepp, Kasper P.

2014-01-01

The limitations of fungal laccases at higher pH and salt concentrations have intensified the search for new extremophilic bacterial laccases. We report the cloning, expression, and characterization of the bacterial cotA from Bacillus clausii, a supposed alkalophilic ortholog of cotA from B. subtilis. Both laccases were expressed in E. coli strain BL21(DE3) and characterized fully in parallel for strict benchmarking. We report activity on ABTS, SGZ, DMP, caffeic acid, promazine, phenyl hydrazine, tannic acid, and bilirubin at variable pH. Whereas ABTS, promazine, and phenyl hydrazine activities vs. pH were similar, the activity of B. clausii cotA was shifted upwards by ∼0.5–2 pH units for the simple phenolic substrates DMP, SGZ, and caffeic acid. This shift is not due to substrate affinity (KM) but to pH dependence of catalytic turnover: The kcat of B. clausii cotA was 1 s−1 at pH 6 and 5 s−1 at pH 8 in contrast to 6 s−1 at pH 6 and 2 s−1 at pH 8 for of B. subtilis cotA. Overall, kcat/KM was 10-fold higher for B. subtilis cotA at pHopt. While both proteins were heat activated, activation increased with pH and was larger in cotA from B. clausii. NaCl inhibited activity at acidic pH, but not up to 500–700 mM NaCl in alkaline pH, a further advantage of the alkali regime in laccase applications. The B. clausii cotA had ∼20 minutes half-life at 80°C, less than the ∼50 minutes at 80°C for cotA from B. subtilis. While cotA from B. subtilis had optimal stability at pH∼8, the cotA from B. clausii displayed higher combined salt- and alkali-resistance. This resistance is possibly caused by two substitutions (S427Q and V110E) that could repel anions to reduce anion-copper interactions at the expense of catalytic proficiency, a trade-off of potential relevance to laccase optimization. PMID:24915287

Remotely-Sensed Geology from Lander-Based to Orbital Perspectives: Results for FIDO Rover Field Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jolliff, B.; Moersch, J.; Knoll, A.; Morris, R.; Arvidson, R.; Gilmore, M.; Greeley, R.; Herkenhoff, K.; McSween, H.; Squyres, S.

2000-01-01

Tests of the FIDO (Field Integration Design and Operations) rover and Athena-like operational scenarios were conducted May 7-16, 2000. A group located at the Jet Propulsion Lab, Pasadena, CA, formed the Core Operations Team (COT) that designed experiments and command sequences while another team tracked, maintained, and secured the rover in the field. The COT had no knowledge of the specific field location, thus the tests were done "blind." In addition to FIDO rover instrumentation, the COT had access to LANDSAT 7, TIMS, and AVIRIS regional coverage and color descent images. Using data from the FIDO instruments, primarily a color microscopic imager (CMI), infrared point spectrometer (IPS; 1.5-2.4 microns), and a three-color stereo panoramic camera (Pancam), the COT correlated lithologic features (mineralogy, rock types) from the simulated landing site to a regional scale. The May test results provide an example of how to relate site geology from landed rover investigations to the regional geology using remote sensing. The capability to relate mineralogic signatures using the point IR spectrometer to remotely sensed, multispectral or hyperspectral data proved to be key to integration of the in-situ and remote data. This exercise demonstrated the potential synergy between lander-based and orbital data, and highlighted the need to investigate a landing site in detail and at multiple scales.

Library reuse in a rapid development environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Uhde, JO; Weed, Daniel; Gottlieb, Robert; Neal, Douglas

1995-01-01

The Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division (AFMD) established a Rapid Development Laboratory (RDL) to investigate and improve new 'rapid development' software production processes and refine the use of commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) tools. These tools and processes take an avionics design project from initial inception through high fidelity, real-time, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. One central theme of a rapid development process is the use and integration of a variety of COTS tools: This paper discusses the RDL MATRIX(sub x)(R) libraries, as well as the techniques for managing and documenting these libraries. This paper also shows the methods used for building simulations with the Advanced Simulation Development System (ASDS) libraries, and provides metrics to illustrate the amount of reuse for five complete simulations. Combining ASDS libraries with MATRIX(sub x)(R) libraries is discussed.

Minimum cost of transport in Asian elephants: do we really need a bigger elephant?

PubMed

Langman, Vaughan A; Rowe, Michael F; Roberts, Thomas J; Langman, Nathanial V; Taylor, Charles R

2012-05-01

Body mass is the primary determinant of an animal's energy requirements. At their optimum walking speed, large animals have lower mass-specific energy requirements for locomotion than small ones. In animals ranging in size from 0.8 g (roach) to 260 kg (zebu steer), the minimum cost of transport (COT(min)) decreases with increasing body size roughly as COT(min)∝body mass (M(b))(-0.316±0.023) (95% CI). Typically, the variation of COT(min) with body mass is weaker at the intraspecific level as a result of physiological and geometric similarity within closely related species. The interspecific relationship estimates that an adult elephant, with twice the body mass of a mid-sized elephant, should be able to move its body approximately 23% cheaper than the smaller elephant. We sought to determine whether adult Asian and sub-adult African elephants follow a single quasi-intraspecific relationship, and extend the interspecific relationship between COT(min) and body mass to 12-fold larger animals. Physiological and possibly geometric similarity between adult Asian elephants and sub-adult African elephants caused body mass to have a no effect on COT(min) (COT(min)∝M(b)(0.007±0.455)). The COT(min) in elephants occurred at walking speeds between 1.3 and ∼1.5 m s(-1), and at Froude numbers between 0.10 and 0.24. The addition of adult Asian elephants to the interspecific relationship resulted in COT(min)∝M (-0.277±0.046)(b). The quasi-intraspecific relationship between body mass and COT(min) among elephants caused the interspecific relationship to underestimate COT(min) in larger elephants.

Sink fast and swim harder! Round-trip cost-of-transport for buoyant divers.

PubMed

Miller, Patrick J O; Biuw, Martin; Watanabe, Yuuki Y; Thompson, Dave; Fedak, Mike A

2012-10-15

Efficient locomotion between prey resources at depth and oxygen at the surface is crucial for breath-hold divers to maximize time spent in the foraging layer, and thereby net energy intake rates. The body density of divers, which changes with body condition, determines the apparent weight (buoyancy) of divers, which may affect round-trip cost-of-transport (COT) between the surface and depth. We evaluated alternative predictions from external-work and actuator-disc theory of how non-neutral buoyancy affects round-trip COT to depth, and the minimum COT speed for steady-state vertical transit. Not surprisingly, the models predict that one-way COT decreases (increases) when buoyancy aids (hinders) one-way transit. At extreme deviations from neutral buoyancy, gliding at terminal velocity is the minimum COT strategy in the direction aided by buoyancy. In the transit direction hindered by buoyancy, the external-work model predicted that minimum COT speeds would not change at greater deviations from neutral buoyancy, but minimum COT speeds were predicted to increase under the actuator disc model. As previously documented for grey seals, we found that vertical transit rates of 36 elephant seals increased in both directions as body density deviated from neutral buoyancy, indicating that actuator disc theory may more closely predict the power requirements of divers affected by gravity than an external work model. For both models, minor deviations from neutral buoyancy did not affect minimum COT speed or round-trip COT itself. However, at body-density extremes, both models predict that savings in the aided direction do not fully offset the increased COT imposed by the greater thrusting required in the hindered direction.

Cargo Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Environmental Control and Life Support Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchesne, Stephanie; Thacker, Karen; Williams, Dave

2012-01-01

The International Space Station s (ISS) largest crew and cargo resupply vehicle, the Space Shuttle, retired in 2011. To help augment ISS resupply and return capability, NASA announced a project to promote the development of Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) for the ISS in January of 2006. By December of 2008, NASA entered into space act agreements with SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation for COTS development and ISS Commercial Resupply Services (CRS). The intent of CRS is to fly multiple resupply missions each year to ISS with SpaceX s Dragon vehicle providing resupply and return capabilities and Orbital Science Corporation s Cygnus vehicle providing resupply capability to ISS. The ISS program launched an integration effort to ensure that these new commercial vehicles met the requirements of the ISS vehicle and ISS program needs. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) requirements cover basic cargo vehicle needs including maintaining atmosphere, providing atmosphere circulation, and fire detection and suppression. The ISS-COTS integration effort brought unique challenges combining NASA s established processes and design knowledge with the commercial companies new initiatives and limited experience with human space flight. This paper will discuss the ISS ECLS COTS integration effort including challenges, successes, and lessons learned.

Commercial Orbital Transportation Cargo Services Environmental Control and Life Support Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duchesne, Stephanie; Williams, Dave; Orozco, Nicole; Philistine, Cynthia

2010-01-01

The International Space Station s (ISS) largest crew and cargo resupply vehicle, the Space Shuttle, will retire in 2011. To help augment ISS resupply and return capability, NASA announced a project to promote the development of Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) for the ISS in January of 2006. By December of 2008, NASA entered into space act agreements with SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation for COTS development and ISS Commercial Resupply Services (CRS). The intent of CRS is to fly multiple resupply missions each year to ISS with SpaceX s Dragon vehicle providing resupply and return capabilities and Orbital Science Corporation s Cygnus vehicle providing resupply capability to ISS. The ISS program launched an integration effort to ensure that these new commercial vehicles met the requirements of the ISS vehicle and ISS program needs. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) requirements cover basic cargo vehicle needs including maintaining atmosphere, providing atmosphere circulation, and fire detection and suppression. The ISS-COTS integration effort brought unique challenges combining NASA s established processes and design knowledge with the commercial companies new initiatives and limited experience with human space flight. This paper will discuss the ISS ECLS COTS integration effort including challenges, successes, and lessons learned.

Platelet-derived growth factor regulates K-Cl cotransport in vascular smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Lauf, Peter K; Adragna, Norma C

2003-03-01

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a potent serum mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), plays an important role in membrane transport regulation and in atherosclerosis. K-Cl cotransport (K-Cl COT/KCC), the coupled-movement of K and Cl, is involved in ion homeostasis. VSMCs possess K-Cl COT activity and the KCC1 and KCC3 isoforms. Here, we report on the effect of PDGF on K-Cl COT activity and mRNA expression in primary cultures of rat VSMCs. K-Cl COT was determined as the Cl-dependent Rb influx and mRNA expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Twenty four-hour serum deprivation inhibited basal K-Cl COT activity. Addition of PDGF increased total protein content and K-Cl COT activity in a time-dependent manner. PDGF activated K-Cl COT in a dose-dependent manner, both acutely (10 min) and chronically (12 h). AG-1296, a selective inhibitor of the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase, abolished these effects. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide had no effect on the acute PDGF activation of K-Cl COT, suggesting posttranslational regulation by the drug. Furthermore, PDGF increased KCC1 and decreased KCC3 mRNA expression in a time-dependent manner. These results indicate that chronic activation of K-Cl COT activity by PDGF may involve regulation of the two KCC mRNA isoforms, with KCC1 playing a dominant role in the mechanism of PDGF-mediated activation.

A serine/threonine kinase, Cot/Tpl2, modulates bacterial DNA-induced IL-12 production and Th cell differentiation.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Kenji; Ohata, Mutsuhiro; Miyoshi, Jun; Ishizaki, Hiroyoshi; Tsuboi, Naotake; Masuda, Akio; Yoshikai, Yasunobu; Takamoto, Masaya; Sugane, Kazuo; Matsuo, Seiichi; Shimada, Yasuhiro; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya

2004-09-01

A serine/threonine protein kinase, Cot/Tpl2, is indispensable for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and production of TNF-alpha and PGE2 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. We show here that Cot/Tpl2 is also activated by other Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Bacterial DNA rich in the dinucleotide CG (CpG-DNA), unlike LPS or synthetic lipopeptide, activated ERK in a Cot/Tpl2-independent manner. Peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow-derived DCs from Cot/Tpl2-/- mice produced significantly more IL-12 in response to CpG-DNA than those from WT mice. Enhanced IL-12 production in Cot/Tpl2-/- macrophages is, at least partly, regulated at the transcriptional level, and the elevated IL-12 mRNA level in Cot/Tpl2-/- macrophages is accompanied by decreased amounts of IL-12 repressors, such as c-musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (c-Maf) and GATA sequence in the IL-12 promoter-binding protein (GA-12-binding protein; GAP-12) in the nucleus. Consistently, Cot/Tpl2-/- mice showed Th1-skewed antigen-specific immune responses upon OVA immunization and Leishmania major infection in vivo. These results indicate that Cot/Tpl2 is an important negative regulator of Th1-type adaptive immunity, that it achieves this regulation by inhibiting IL-12 production from accessory cells, and that it might be a potential target molecule in CpG-DNA-guided vaccination.

Structural and magnetic conformation of a cerocene [Ce(COT'')2]- exhibiting a uniconfigurational f1 ground state and slow-magnetic relaxation.

PubMed

Le Roy, Jennifer J; Korobkov, Ilia; Kim, Jee Eon; Schelter, Eric J; Murugesu, Muralee

2014-02-21

Magnet-like behaviour, in the form of slow relaxation of the magnetization, was observed for a monometallic cerium(III) sandwich complex. The use of trimethylsilyl substituted COT ligands (COT'') led to the formation of a staggered COT'' arrangement in the cerocene-type sandwich complex with a well-defined oxidation state of +3 for the Ce ion.

COT phosphorylates prolyl-isomerase Pin1 to promote tumorigenesis in breast cancer.

PubMed

Kim, Garam; Khanal, Prem; Kim, Jin Young; Yun, Hyo-Jeong; Lim, Sung-Chul; Shim, Jung-Hyun; Choi, Hong Seok

2015-06-01

Pin1, a conserved eukaryotic Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, has profound effects on numerous key-signaling molecules, and its deregulation contributes to disease, particularly cancer. Although Pin1-mediated prolyl isomerization is an essential and novel regulatory mechanism for protein phosphorylation, little is known about the upstream signaling pathway(s) that regulates Pin1 activity. Here, we identify MAP3K-related serine-threonine kinase (the gene encoding COT/Tpl2) as a kinase responsible for phosphorylation of Pin1 Ser16. COT interacts with and phosphorylates Pin1 on Ser16. Consequently, Pin1 Ser16 phosphorylation by COT increases cyclin D1 abundance and enhances tumorigenecity of MCF7 cells. In contrast, depletion of COT in MCF7 cells leads to downregulation of Pin1 Ser16 phosphorylation, which subsequently decrease cyclin D1 levels, inhibiting tumorigenecity of MCF7 cells. In a xenograft model, treatment of TKI, a COT inhibitor, and Juglone, a Pin1 inhibitor, abrogates tumor growth. In human breast cancer patients, immunohistochemical staining shows that Pin1 pSer16 levels are positively correlated with COT levels, providing strong evidence for an essential role of the COT/Pin1 axis in conveying oncogenic signals to promote aggressiveness in human breast cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Benchmarking desktop and mobile handwriting across COTS devices: The e-BioSign biometric database

PubMed Central

Tolosana, Ruben; Vera-Rodriguez, Ruben; Fierrez, Julian; Morales, Aythami; Ortega-Garcia, Javier

2017-01-01

This paper describes the design, acquisition process and baseline evaluation of the new e-BioSign database, which includes dynamic signature and handwriting information. Data is acquired from 5 different COTS devices: three Wacom devices (STU-500, STU-530 and DTU-1031) specifically designed to capture dynamic signatures and handwriting, and two general purpose tablets (Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and Samsung ATIV 7). For the two Samsung tablets, data is collected using both pen stylus and also the finger in order to study the performance of signature verification in a mobile scenario. Data was collected in two sessions for 65 subjects, and includes dynamic information of the signature, the full name and alpha numeric sequences. Skilled forgeries were also performed for signatures and full names. We also report a benchmark evaluation based on e-BioSign for person verification under three different real scenarios: 1) intra-device, 2) inter-device, and 3) mixed writing-tool. We have experimented the proposed benchmark using the main existing approaches for signature verification: feature- and time functions-based. As a result, new insights into the problem of signature biometrics in sensor-interoperable scenarios have been obtained, namely: the importance of specific methods for dealing with device interoperability, and the necessity of a deeper analysis on signatures acquired using the finger as the writing tool. This e-BioSign public database allows the research community to: 1) further analyse and develop signature verification systems in realistic scenarios, and 2) investigate towards a better understanding of the nature of the human handwriting when captured using electronic COTS devices in realistic conditions. PMID:28475590

Benchmarking desktop and mobile handwriting across COTS devices: The e-BioSign biometric database.

PubMed

Tolosana, Ruben; Vera-Rodriguez, Ruben; Fierrez, Julian; Morales, Aythami; Ortega-Garcia, Javier

2017-01-01

This paper describes the design, acquisition process and baseline evaluation of the new e-BioSign database, which includes dynamic signature and handwriting information. Data is acquired from 5 different COTS devices: three Wacom devices (STU-500, STU-530 and DTU-1031) specifically designed to capture dynamic signatures and handwriting, and two general purpose tablets (Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and Samsung ATIV 7). For the two Samsung tablets, data is collected using both pen stylus and also the finger in order to study the performance of signature verification in a mobile scenario. Data was collected in two sessions for 65 subjects, and includes dynamic information of the signature, the full name and alpha numeric sequences. Skilled forgeries were also performed for signatures and full names. We also report a benchmark evaluation based on e-BioSign for person verification under three different real scenarios: 1) intra-device, 2) inter-device, and 3) mixed writing-tool. We have experimented the proposed benchmark using the main existing approaches for signature verification: feature- and time functions-based. As a result, new insights into the problem of signature biometrics in sensor-interoperable scenarios have been obtained, namely: the importance of specific methods for dealing with device interoperability, and the necessity of a deeper analysis on signatures acquired using the finger as the writing tool. This e-BioSign public database allows the research community to: 1) further analyse and develop signature verification systems in realistic scenarios, and 2) investigate towards a better understanding of the nature of the human handwriting when captured using electronic COTS devices in realistic conditions.

Multi-species consumer jams and the fall of guarded corals to crown-of-thorns seastar outbreaks

PubMed Central

Kayal, Mohsen; Ballard, Jane; Adjeroud, Mehdi

2018-01-01

Outbreaks of predatory crown-of-thorns seastars (COTS) can devastate coral reef ecosystems, yet some corals possess mutualistic guardian crabs that defend against COTS attacks. However, guarded corals do not always survive COTS outbreaks, with the ecological mechanisms sealing the fate of these corals during COTS infestations remaining unknown. In August 2008 in Moorea (17.539° S, 149.830° W), French Polynesia, an unusually dense multi-species aggregation of predators was observed feeding upon guarded corals following widespread coral decline due to COTS predation. Concurrent assaults from these amplified, mixed-species predator guilds likely overwhelm mutualistic crab defense, ultimately leading to the fall of guarded corals. Our observations indicate that guarded corals can sustain devastating COTS attacks for an extended duration, but eventually concede to intensifying assaults from diverse predators that aggregate in high numbers as alternative prey decays. The fall of guarded corals is therefore suggested to be ultimately driven by an indirect trophic cascade that leads to amplified attacks from diverse starving predators following prey decline, rather than COTS assaults alone. PMID:29487739

PDGF activates K-Cl cotransport through phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein phosphatase-1 in primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Lauf, Peter K; Adragna, Norma C

2005-07-15

K-Cl cotransport (K-Cl COT, KCC) is an electroneutrally coupled movement of K and Cl present in most cells. In this work, we studied the pathways of regulation of K-Cl COT by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Wortmannin and LY 294002 blocked the PDGF-induced K-Cl COT activation, indicating that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) pathway is involved. However, PD 98059 had no effect on K-Cl COT activation by PDGF, suggesting that the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is not involved under the experimental conditions tested. Involvement of phosphatases was also examined. Sodium orthovanadate, cyclosporin A and okadaic acid had no effect on PDGF-stimulated K-Cl COT. Calyculin A blocked the PDGF-stimulated K-Cl COT by 60%, suggesting that protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1) is a mediator in the PDGF signaling pathway/s. In conclusion, our results indicate that the PDGF-mediated pathways of K-Cl COT regulation involve the signaling molecules PI 3-K and PP-1.

Involvement of Cot activity in the proliferation of ALCL lymphoma cells.

PubMed

Fernández, Margarita; Manso, Rebeca; Bernaldo de Quirós, Flavia; Bernáldez, Flavia; López, Pilar; Martín-Duce, Antonio; Alemany, Susana

2011-08-12

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) cells overexpress CD30 on their cell surface, show increased levels of activated Erk1/2 and of JunB; participating JunB in the proliferative capacity of these lymphomas. Here, we show that ALCL lymphoma cells also present high expression levels of the proto-oncogenic Cot (MAP3K8). Using pharmacological drugs as well as the RNA interference technique we show that Cot protein is responsible for the constitutive Erk1/2 activation in the ALCL lymphoma cells, SUDHL-1. Besides, inhibition of Cot activity reduces the number of cell divisions which is achieved, at least in part, by the control that Cot exercises on the activation state of p70 S6K and on the expression levels of JunB. Since Cot represents an alternative mode, independently of RAF, to activate Erk1/2, all these data strongly suggest that molecular targeting of Cot may be a potential new specific strategy for ALCL lymphomas therapy, without the fully disturbance of the Erk1/2 function. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

NASA and COTS Electronics: Past Approach and Successes - Future Considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaBel, Kenneth A.

2018-01-01

NASA has a long history of using commercial grade electronics in space. In this talk, a brief history of NASAâ's trends and approaches to commercial grade electronics focusing on processing and memory systems will be presented. This will include providing summary information on the space hazards to electronics as well as NASA mission trade space. We will also discuss developing recommendations for risk management approaches to Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) parts and reliability in space. The final portion of the talk will discuss emerging aerospace trends and the future for Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) usage.

Estimation of cloud optical thickness by processing SEVIRI images and implementing a semi analytical cloud property retrieval algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, P.; De Ridder, K.; van Lipzig, N.

2009-04-01

Clouds play a very important role in the Earth's climate system, as they form an intermediate layer between Sun and the Earth. Satellite remote sensing systems are the only means to provide information about clouds on large scales. The geostationary satellite, Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) has onboard an imaging radiometer, the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI). SEVIRI is a 12 channel imager, with 11 channels observing the earth's full disk with a temporal resolution of 15 min and spatial resolution of 3 km at nadir, and a high resolution visible (HRV) channel. The visible channels (0.6 µm and 0.81 µm) and near infrared channel (1.6µm) of SEVIRI are being used to retrieve the cloud optical thickness (COT). The study domain is over Europe covering the region between 35°N - 70°N and 10°W - 30°E. SEVIRI level 1.5 images over this domain are being acquired from the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) archive. The processing of this imagery, involves a number of steps before estimating the COT. The steps involved in pre-processing are as follows. First, the digital count number is acquired from the imagery. Image geo-coding is performed in order to relate the pixel positions to the corresponding longitude and latitude. Solar zenith angle is determined as a function of latitude and time. The radiometric conversion is done using the values of offsets and slopes of each band. The values of radiance obtained are then used to calculate the reflectance for channels in the visible spectrum using the information of solar zenith angle. An attempt is made to estimate the COT from the observed radiances. A semi analytical algorithm [Kokhanovsky et al., 2003] is implemented for the estimation of cloud optical thickness from the visible spectrum of light intensity reflected from clouds. The asymptotical solution of the radiative transfer equation, for clouds with large optical thickness, is the basis of this algorithm. The two visible channels of SEVIRI are used to find the COT and the near infra red channel to estimate the effective radius of droplets. Estimation of COT using a semi analytical scheme, which doesn't involve the conventional look-up table approach, is the aim of this work and henceforth, vertically integrated liquid water (w) or ice water content will be retrieved. The COT estimated and w obtained, will be compared with the values obtained from other approaches and will be validated with in situ measurements. Corresponding author address: Praveen Pandey, VITO - Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Boeretang 200, B 2400, Mol, Belgium. E-mail: praveen.pandey@vito.be

Microphysical properties and ice particle morphology of cirrus clouds inferred from combined CALIOP-IIR measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, M.; Iwabuchi, H.; Yang, P.; Tang, G.; King, M. D.; Sekiguchi, M.

2016-12-01

Cirrus clouds cover about 25% of the globe. Knowledge about the optical and microphysical properties of these clouds [particularly, optical thickness (COT) and effective radius (CER)] is essential to radiative forcing assessment. Previous studies of those properties using satellite remote sensing techniques based on observations by passive and active sensors gave inconsistent retrievals. In particular, COTs from the Cloud Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) using the unconstrained method are affected by variable particle morphology, especially the fraction of horizontally oriented plate particles (HPLT), because the method assumes the lidar ratio to be constant, which should have different values for different ice particle shapes. More realistic ice particle morphology improves estimates of the optical and microphysical properties. In this study, we develop an optimal estimation-based algorithm to infer cirrus COT and CER in addition to morphological parameters (e.g., Fraction of HPLT) using the observations made by CALIOP and the Infrared Imaging Radiometer (IIR) on the CALIPSO platform. The assumed ice particle model is a mixture of a few habits with variable HPLT. Ice particle single-scattering properties are computed using state-of-the-art light-scattering computational capabilities. Rigorous estimation of uncertainties associated with surface properties, atmospheric gases and cloud heterogeneity is performed. The results based on the present method show that COTs are quite consistent with the MODIS and CALIOP counterparts, and CERs essentially agree with the IIR operational retrievals. The lidar ratio is calculated from the bulk optical properties based on the inferred parameters. The presentation will focus on latitudinal variations of particle morphology and the lidar ratio on a global scale.

Technology insertion of a COTS RAID server as an image buffer in the image chain of the Defense Mapping Agency's Digital Production System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehring, James W.; Thomas, Scott D.

1995-11-01

The Data Services Segment of the Defense Mapping Agency's Digital Production System provides a digital archive of imagery source data for use by DMA's cartographic user's. This system was developed in the mid-1980's and is currently undergoing modernization. This paper addresses the modernization of the imagery buffer function that was performed by custom hardware in the baseline system and is being replaced by a RAID Server based on commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware. The paper briefly describes the baseline DMA image system and the modernization program, that is currently under way. Throughput benchmark measurements were made to make design configuration decisions for a commercial off the shelf (COTS) RAID Server to perform as system image buffer. The test program began with performance measurements of the RAID read and write operations between the RAID arrays and the server CPU for RAID levels 0, 5 and 0+1. Interface throughput measurements were made for the HiPPI interface between the RAID Server and the image archive and processing system as well as the client side interface between a custom interface board that provides the interface between the internal bus of the RAID Server and the Input- Output Processor (IOP) external wideband network currently in place in the DMA system to service client workstations. End to end measurements were taken from the HiPPI interface through the RAID write and read operations to the IOP output interface.

The Design of a Fault-Tolerant COTS-Based Bus Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chau, Savio N.; Alkalai, Leon; Burt, John B.; Tai, Ann T.

1999-01-01

In this paper, we report our experiences and findings on the design of a fault-tolerant bus architecture comprised of two COTS buses, the IEEE 1394 and the 12C. This fault-tolerant bus is the backbone system bus for the avionics architecture of the X2000 program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. COTS buses are attractive because of the availability of low cost commercial products. However, they are not specifically designed for highly reliable applications such as long-life deep-space missions. The X2000 design team has devised a multi-level fault tolerance approach to compensate for this shortcoming of COTS buses. First, the approach enhances the fault tolerance capabilities of the IEEE 1394 and 12 C buses by adding a layer of fault handling hardware and software. Second, algorithms are developed to enable the IEEE 1394 and the 12 C buses assist each other to isolate and recovery from faults. Third, the set of IEEE 1394 and 12 C buses is duplicated to further enhance system reliability. The X2000 design team has paid special attention to guarantee that all fault tolerance provisions will not cause the bus design to deviate from the commercial standard specifications. Otherwise, the economic attractiveness of using COTS will be diminished. The hardware and software design of the X2000 fault-tolerant bus are being implemented and flight hardware will be delivered to the ST4 and Europa Orbiter missions.

Dosimetry and microdosimetry using COTS ICs: A comparative study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheick, L.; Swift, G.; Guertin, S.; Roth, D.; McNulty, P.; Nguyen, D.

2002-01-01

A new method using an array of MOS transistors formeasuring dose absorbed from ionizing radiation is compared to previous dosimetric methods., The accuracy and precision of dosimetry based on COTS SRAMs, DRAMs, and WPROMs are compared and contrasted. Applications of these devices in various space missions will be discussed. TID results are presented for this summary and microdosimetricresults will be added to the full paper. Finally, an analysis of the optimal condition for a digital dosimeter will be presented.

How does cot death prevention advice influence parents' behaviour?

PubMed

Miller, L H; Fraser, A; Moy, R

2008-09-01

To explore parents' understanding of the recommended cot death prevention strategies, and to discuss what they are doing in practice. If there is a difference between knowledge and implementation measures, possible reasons for this will be considered. A qualitative study using thematic analysis, aimed at finding out attitudes and opinions of parents about cot death prevention measures. Twelve participants were interviewed from two disadvantaged communities in south Birmingham. Parents found that much of the cot death prevention advice they were provided with was conflicting and caused confusion. As such, many parents chose to follow advice from non-healthcare sources. Some parents were carrying out preventative measures but were not aware of the reason for doing it. Many felt they did not receive enough advice relating to cot death prevention. Cot death health promotion advice appears to be inadequate among patients from a deprived socioeconomic background. Some of these issues could be resolved with increased training addressing these matters.

Credibility gap? Parents' beliefs about reducing the risk of cot death.

PubMed

Epstein, Joyce; Jolly, Clare

2009-11-01

This paper reports on findings from a survey of awareness and credibility of risk factors for sudden infant death and adherence to infant care advice, conducted with 506 mothers of children aged from six months to three years in England in 2007. The survey confirmed that many parents failed to follow recommended infant care practices to reduce the risk of cot death, such as supine sleeping and sleeping the baby in a cot in the same room as them. Notably, substantial proportions of mothers did not believe the evidence-based safe infant care messages that they have heard--about a fifth were not persuaded that exposing a baby to tobacco smoke increases the risk of cot death, over a quarter were not persuaded that prone sleeping is risky, and almost half were not persuaded that side sleeping is risky. The findings are discussed in the context of wider cultural issues bearing on the credibility of health advice. Practical suggestions for health visitors and other community practitioners include innovative ways to involve young, at-risk parents and credible influences upon them such as grandparents, alongside the use and promotion of new free resources from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.

Branching and competition of ultrafast photochemical reactions of cyclooctatriene and bicyclooctadiene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosma, Kyriaki; Trushin, Sergei A.; Schmid, Wolfram E.; Fuß, Werner

2015-12-01

The main primary photoproducts of cycloocta-1,3,5-triene (COT) are a strained mono-E isomer, Z,Z-octatetraene (OT, from electrocyclic ring opening) and benzene + ethylene. We investigated the excited-state dynamics of COT by time-resolved mass spectroscopy, probing by near-IR photoionization. Unexpectedly, we found only one reaction channel. We assign it to the pericyclic reactions. Evidence for an early branching between this and the Z-E channel is taken from previous resonance Raman data. This channel confirms previously formulated rules on the excited states involved, the reaction path and driving forces and contributes to their rationalization. Bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4-diene undergoes only two pericyclic reactions: ring opening to OT and cleavage to benzene + ethylene. We investigated it briefly in its equilibrium mixture with COT. The data are consistent with a common path on the excited surfaces. Suggestions are made for structures of conical intersections, and driving forces are considered. All processes were found to be barrierless.

Regulation of K-Cl cotransport: from function to genes.

PubMed

Adragna, N C; Di Fulvio, M; Lauf, P K

2004-10-01

This review intends to summarize the vast literature on K-Cl cotransport (COT) regulation from a functional and genetic viewpoint. Special attention has been given to the signaling pathways involved in the transporter's regulation found in several tissues and cell types, and more specifically, in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The number of publications on K-Cl COT has been steadily increasing since its discovery at the beginning of the 1980s, with red blood cells (RBCs) from different species (human, sheep, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, turkey, duck, frog, rat, mouse, fish, and lamprey) being the most studied model. Other tissues/cell types under study are brain, kidney, epithelia, muscle/smooth muscle, tumor cells, heart, liver, insect cells, endothelial cells, bone, platelets, thymocytes and Leishmania donovani. One of the salient properties of K-Cl-COT is its activation by cell swelling and its participation in the recovery of cell volume, a process known as regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Activation by thiol modification with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) has spawned investigations on the redox dependence of K-Cl COT, and is used as a positive control for the operation of the system in many tissues and cells. The most accepted model of K-Cl COT regulation proposes protein kinases and phosphatases linked in a chain of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events. More recent studies include regulatory pathways involving the phosphatidyl inositol/protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated pathway for regulation by lithium (Li) in low-K sheep red blood cells (LK SRBCs), and the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG) pathway as well as the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-mediated mechanism in VSMCs. Studies on VSM transfected cells containing the PKG catalytic domain demonstrated the participation of this enzyme in K-Cl COT regulation. Commonly used vasodilators activate K-Cl COT in a dose-dependent manner through the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway. Interaction between the cotransporter and the cytoskeleton appears to depend on the cellular origin and experimental conditions. Pathophysiologically, K-Cl COT is altered in sickle cell anemia and neuropathies, and it has also been proposed to play a role in blood pressure control. Four closely related human genes code for KCCs (KCC1-4). Although considerable information is accumulating on tissue distribution, function and pathologies associated with the different isoforms, little is known about the genetic regulation of the KCC genes in terms of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. A few reports indicate that the NO/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway regulates KCC1 and KCC3 mRNA expression in VSMCs at the post-transcriptional level. However, the detailed mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation of KCC genes and of regulation of KCC2 and KCC4 mRNA expression are unknown. The K-Cl COT field is expected to expand further over the next decades, as new isoforms and/or regulatory pathways are discovered and its implication in health and disease is revealed.

Effect on Oxygen Cost of Transport from 8-Weeks of Progressive Training with Barefoot Running.

PubMed

Tam, N; Tucker, R; Astephen Wilson, J L; Santos-Concejero, J

2015-11-01

Popular interest in barefoot running has emerged as a result of its alleged performance and injury prevention benefits. Oxygen cost of transport (COT) improvements from barefoot running, however, remains equivocal. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of an 8-week progressive barefoot training program on COT and associated spatiotemporal variables. 15 male runners participated in this study. Variables such as oxygen uptake, biomechanical and spatiotemporal characteristics of gait, including ground contact (GC) and swing time; stride length and frequency and ankle plantar-dorsiflexion were measured pre- and post-intervention. The COT did not differ between barefoot and shod running either pre- or post-training. Improved barefoot COT (p<0.05) but not shod was found between pre- and post-training. Biomechanical differences between barefoot and shod conditions persisted over the training period. A decrease in barefoot COT was associated with a decrease in GC time (p=0.003, r=0.688) and a small increase in stride frequency (p=0.030; r=0.569). Ground contact time and stride frequency, previously associated with COT, only partly contribute (32% - Stride frequency and 47% - GC time) to a decrease in COT after barefoot training. Thus other physiological and biomechanical variables must influence the improvement in COT after a barefoot training intervention. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effects of Cot expression on the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in RBL-2H3 cells.

PubMed

Chikamatsu, Satomi; Furuno, Tadahide; Kinoshita, Yosuke; Inoh, Yoshikazu; Hirashima, Naohide; Teshima, Reiko; Nakanishi, Mamoru

2007-03-01

Cot is a serine/threonine protein kinase and is classified as a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase kinase. Overexpression of this protein has been shown to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and the p38 MAP kinase pathways and to stimulate NF-AT and NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. Here we have shown that Cot kinase activity is intimately involved in the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcvarepsilonRI)-mediated nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB1 independent of NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. A transfected green fluorescent protein-tagged NF-kappaB1 (GFP-NF-kappaB1) resided in the cytoplasm in RBL-2H3 cells and it remained in the cytoplasm even when Cot tagged with red fluorescent protein (Cot-RFP) was co-expressed. Western blotting analysis showed that IkappaB kinases (IKKs) were expressed in RBL-2H3 cells but NIK was not. GFP-NF-kappaB1 translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus after the aggregation of FcvarepsilonRI in Cot-transfected cells but not in kinase-deficient Cot-transfected cells. This finding gives a new insight into the role of Cot in the FcvarepsilonRI-mediated NF-kappaB activation in mast cells.

The Neurospora crassa PP2A Regulatory Subunits RGB1 and B56 Are Required for Proper Growth and Development and Interact with the NDR Kinase COT1

PubMed Central

Shomin-Levi, Hila; Yarden, Oded

2017-01-01

COT1 is the founding member of the highly conserved nuclear Dbf2-related (NDR) Ser/Thr kinase family and plays a role in the regulation of polar growth and development in Neurospora crassa and other fungi. Changes in COT1 phosphorylation state have been shown to affect hyphal elongation, branching, and conidiation. The function of NDR protein kinases has been shown to be regulated by type 2A protein phosphatases (PP2As). PP2As are heterotrimers comprised of a catalytic and scaffolding protein along with an interchangeable regulatory subunit involved in determining substrate specificity. Inactivation of the N. crassa PP2A regulatory subunits rgb-1 and b56 conferred severe hyphal growth defects. Partial suppression of defects observed in the rgb-1RIP strain (but not in the Δb56 mutant) was observed in cot-1 phosphomimetic mutants, demonstrating that altering COT1 phosphorylation state can bypass, at least in part, the requirement of a functional RGB1 subunit. The functional fusion proteins RGB1::GFP and B56::GFP predominantly localized to hyphal tips and septa, respectively, indicating that their primary activity is in different cellular locations. COT1 protein forms exhibited a hyperphosphorylated gel migration pattern in an rgb-1RIP mutant background, similar to that observed when the fungus was cultured in the presence of the PP2A inhibitor cantharidin. COT1 was hypophosphorylated in a Δb56 mutant background, suggesting that this regulatory subunit may be involved in determining COT1 phosphorylation state, yet in an indirect manner. Reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation analyses, using tagged COT1, PPH1, RGB1, and B56 subunits established that these proteins physically interact. Taken together, our data determine the presence of a functional and physical link between PP2A and COT1 and show that two of the PP2A regulatory subunits interact with the kinase and determine COT1 phosphorylation state. PMID:28928725

The Standard Autonomous File Server, A Customized, Off-the-Shelf Success Story

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Semancik, Susan K.; Conger, Annette M.; Obenschain, Arthur F. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The Standard Autonomous File Server (SAFS), which includes both off-the-shelf hardware and software, uses an improved automated file transfer process to provide a quicker, more reliable, prioritized file distribution for customers of near real-time data without interfering with the assets involved in the acquisition and processing of the data. It operates as a stand-alone solution, monitoring itself, and providing an automated fail-over process to enhance reliability. This paper describes the unique problems and lessons learned both during the COTS selection and integration into SAFS, and the system's first year of operation in support of NASA's satellite ground network. COTS was the key factor in allowing the two-person development team to deploy systems in less than a year, meeting the required launch schedule. The SAFS system has been so successful; it is becoming a NASA standard resource, leading to its nomination for NASA's Software of the Year Award in 1999.

Hydrophobic Motif Phosphorylation Coordinates Activity and Polar Localization of the Neurospora crassa Nuclear Dbf2-Related Kinase COT1

PubMed Central

Maerz, Sabine; Dettmann, Anne

2012-01-01

Nuclear Dbf2p-related (NDR) kinases and associated proteins are recognized as a conserved network that regulates eukaryotic cell polarity. NDR kinases require association with MOB adaptor proteins and phosphorylation of two conserved residues in the activation segment and hydrophobic motif for activity and function. We demonstrate that the Neurospora crassa NDR kinase COT1 forms inactive dimers via a conserved N-terminal extension, which is also required for the interaction of the kinase with MOB2 to generate heterocomplexes with basal activity. Basal kinase activity also requires autophosphorylation of the COT1-MOB2 complex in the activation segment, while hydrophobic motif phosphorylation of COT1 by the germinal center kinase POD6 fully activates COT1 through induction of a conformational change. Hydrophobic motif phosphorylation is also required for plasma membrane association of the COT1-MOB2 complex. MOB2 further restricts the membrane-associated kinase complex to the hyphal apex to promote polar cell growth. These data support an integrated mechanism of NDR kinase regulation in vivo, in which kinase activation and cellular localization of COT1 are coordinated by dual phosphorylation and interaction with MOB2. PMID:22451488

International Cursor on Target (CoT) User Group Meeting (1st), 2-3 April 2013

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

0900 - 0930 BREAK 0930 - 0945 ATAK ( Android Tactical Assault Kit) Josh Sterling 0945 - 1045 Use of CoT in Military Operations Luke Savoie...satisfaction = 4; Food services = 5 Definitely poll for requirements requests ahead of time. Better multimedia system setup (though you did have a...really cool setup and multimedia thing!) Give a list of attendees to all so I can network. CoT and BAO Kit. Field incompatibility between CoT and

Suitability of Commercial Transport Media for Biological Pathogens under Nonideal Conditions

PubMed Central

Hubbard, Kyle; Pellar, Gregory; Emanuel, Peter

2011-01-01

There is extensive data to support the use of commercial transport media as a stabilizer for known clinical samples; however, there is little information to support their use outside of controlled conditions specified by the manufacturer. Furthermore, there is no data to determine the suitability of said media for biological pathogens, specifically those of interest to the US military. This study evaluates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) transport media based on sample recovery, viability, and quality of nucleic acids and peptides for nonpathogenic strains of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, in addition to ricin toxin. Samples were stored in COTS, PBST, or no media at various temperatures over an extended test period. The results demonstrate that COTS media, although sufficient for the preservation of nucleic acid and proteinaceous material, are not capable of maintaining an accurate representation of biothreat agents at the time of collection. PMID:22121364

A TinyOS-enabled MICA2-based wireless neural interface.

PubMed

Farshchi, Shahin; Nuyujukian, Paul H; Pesterev, Aleksey; Mody, Istvan; Judy, Jack W

2006-07-01

Existing approaches used to develop compact low-power multichannel wireless neural recording systems range from creating custom-integrated circuits to assembling commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) PC-based components. Custom-integrated-circuit designs yield extremely compact and low-power devices at the expense of high development and upgrade costs and turn-around times, while assembling COTS-PC-technology yields high performance at the expense of large system size and increased power consumption. To achieve a balance between implementing an ultra-compact custom-fabricated neural transceiver and assembling COTS-PC-technology, an overlay of a neural interface upon the TinyOS-based MICA2 platform is described. The system amplifies, digitally encodes, and transmits neural signals real-time at a rate of 9.6 kbps, while consuming less than 66 mW of power. The neural signals are received and forwarded to a client PC over a serial connection. This data rate can be divided for recording on up to 6 channels, with a resolution of 8 bits/sample. This work demonstrates the strengths and limitations of the TinyOS-based sensor technology as a foundation for chronic remote biological monitoring applications and, thus, provides an opportunity to create a system that can leverage from the frequent networking and communications advancements being made by the global TinyOS-development community.

Automation Hooks Architecture Trade Study for Flexible Test Orchestration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lansdowne, Chatwin A.; Maclean, John R.; Graffagnino, Frank J.; McCartney, Patrick A.

2010-01-01

We describe the conclusions of a technology and communities survey supported by concurrent and follow-on proof-of-concept prototyping to evaluate feasibility of defining a durable, versatile, reliable, visible software interface to support strategic modularization of test software development. The objective is that test sets and support software with diverse origins, ages, and abilities can be reliably integrated into test configurations that assemble and tear down and reassemble with scalable complexity in order to conduct both parametric tests and monitored trial runs. The resulting approach is based on integration of three recognized technologies that are currently gaining acceptance within the test industry and when combined provide a simple, open and scalable test orchestration architecture that addresses the objectives of the Automation Hooks task. The technologies are automated discovery using multicast DNS Zero Configuration Networking (zeroconf), commanding and data retrieval using resource-oriented Restful Web Services, and XML data transfer formats based on Automatic Test Markup Language (ATML). This open-source standards-based approach provides direct integration with existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) analysis software tools.

Discovery of Imidazoquinolines as a Novel Class of Potent, Selective, and in Vivo Efficacious Cancer Osaka Thyroid (COT) Kinase Inhibitors.

PubMed

Glatthar, Ralf; Stojanovic, Aleksandar; Troxler, Thomas; Mattes, Henri; Möbitz, Henrik; Beerli, Rene; Blanz, Joachim; Gassmann, Ernst; Drückes, Peter; Fendrich, Gabriele; Gutmann, Sascha; Martiny-Baron, Georg; Spence, Fiona; Hornfeld, Jeff; Peel, John Edmonson; Sparrer, Helmut

2016-08-25

Cancer Osaka thyroid (COT) kinase is an important regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Thus, pharmacologic inhibition of COT should be a valid approach to therapeutically intervene in the pathogenesis of macrophage-driven inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. We report the discovery and chemical optimization of a novel series of COT kinase inhibitors, with unprecedented nanomolar potency for the inhibition of TNFα. Pharmacological profiling in vivo revealed a high metabolism of these compounds in rats which was demonstrated to be predominantly attributed to aldehyde oxidase. Due to the very low activity of hepatic AO in the dog, the selected candidate 32 displayed significant blood exposure in dogs which resulted in a clear prevention of inflammation-driven lameness. Taken together, the described compounds both potently and selectively inhibit COT kinase in primary human cells and ameliorate inflammatory pathologies in vivo, supporting the notion that COT is an appropriate therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases.

Theoretical studies on structural, magnetic, and spintronic characteristics of sandwiched Eu(n)COT(n+1) (n = 1-4) clusters.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiuyun; Ng, Man-Fai; Wang, Yanbiao; Wang, Jinlan; Yang, Shuo-Wang

2009-09-22

Europium (Eu)-cyclootetatrene (COT = C(8)H(8)) multidecker clusters (Eu(n)COT(n+1), n = 1-4) are studied by relativistic density functional theory calculations. These clusters are found to be thermodynamically stable with freely rotatable COT rings, and their total magnetic moments (MMs) increase linearly along with the number of Eu atoms. Each Eu atom contributes about 7 mu(B) to the cluster. Meanwhile, the internal COT rings have little MM contribution while the external COT rings have about 1 mu(B) MM aligned in opposite direction to that of the Eu atoms. The total MM of the Eu(n)COT(n+1) clusters can thus be generalized as 7n - 2 mu(B) where n is the number of Eu atoms. Besides, the ground states of these clusters are ferromagnetic and energetically competitive with the antiferromagnetic states, meaning that their spin states are very unstable, especially for larger clusters. More importantly, we uncover an interesting bonding characteristic of these clusters in which the interior ionic structure is capped by two hybrid covalent-ionic terminals. We suggest that such a characteristic makes the Eu(n)COT(n+1) clusters extremely stable. Finally, we reveal that for the positively charged clusters, the hybrid covalent-ionic terminals will tip further toward the interior part of the clusters to form deeper covalent-ionic caps. In contrast, the negatively charged clusters turn to pure ionic structures.

Implicit Schemata and Categories in Memory-Based Language Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van den Bosch, Antal; Daelemans, Walter

2013-01-01

Memory-based language processing (MBLP) is an approach to language processing based on exemplar storage during learning and analogical reasoning during processing. From a cognitive perspective, the approach is attractive as a model for human language processing because it does not make any assumptions about the way abstractions are shaped, nor any…

48 CFR 225.7003-3 - Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., subsystems, assemblies, or components. Specialty metal supply contracts issued by COTS producers are not... forgings or castings are incorporated into COTS end items, subsystems, or assemblies; (C) Commercially... incorporated into COTS end items or subsystems (see PGI 225.7003-3(b)(6) for a table of applicability of...

48 CFR 225.7003-3 - Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., subsystems, assemblies, or components. Specialty metal supply contracts issued by COTS producers are not... forgings or castings are incorporated into COTS end items, subsystems, or assemblies; (C) Commercially... incorporated into COTS end items or subsystems (see PGI 225.7003-3(b)(6) for a table of applicability of...

48 CFR 225.7003-3 - Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., subsystems, assemblies, or components. Specialty metal supply contracts issued by COTS producers are not... forgings or castings are incorporated into COTS end items, subsystems, or assemblies; (C) Commercially... incorporated into COTS end items or subsystems (see PGI 225.7003-3(b)(6) for a table of applicability of...

Oral delivery of Bacillus subtilis spores expressing cysteine protease of Clonorchis sinensis to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus): Induces immune responses and has no damage on liver and intestine function.

PubMed

Tang, Zeli; Sun, Hengchang; Chen, TingJin; Lin, Zhipeng; Jiang, Hongye; Zhou, Xinyi; Shi, Cunbin; Pan, Houjun; Chang, Ouqin; Ren, Pengli; Yu, Jinyun; Li, Xuerong; Xu, Jin; Huang, Yan; Yu, Xinbing

2017-05-01

Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) is a fish-borne trematode. Human can be infected by ingestion of C. sinensis metacercariae parasitized in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). For induction of effective oral immune responses, spores of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) WB600 were utilized as vehicle to delivery CsCP (cysteine protease of C. sinensis) cooperated with CotC (B.s-CotC-CP), one of coat proteins, to the gastrointestinal tract. After routine culture of 8-12 h in LB medium, B. subtilis containing CotC-CsCP was transferred into the sporulation culture medium. SDS-PAGE, western blotting and the growth curve indicated that the best sporulation time of recombinant WB600 was 24-30 h at 37 °C with continuous shaking (250 rpm). Grass carp were fed with three levels of B.s-CotC-CP (1 × 10 6 , 1 × 10 7 , and 1 × 10 8  CFU g -1 ) incorporated in the basal pellets diet. The commercial pellets or supplemented with spores just expressing CotC (1 × 10 7  CFU g -1 ) were served as control diet. Our results showed that grass carp orally immunized with the feed-based B.s-CotC-CP developed a strong specific immune response with significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of IgM in samples of serum, bile, mucus of surface and intestinal compared to the control groups. Abundant colonization spores expressing CsCP were found in hindgut that is conducive to absorption and presentation of antigen. Moreover, B. subtilis spores appeared to show no sign of toxicity or damage in grass carp. Our cercariae challenge experiments suggested that oral administration of spores expressing CsCP could develop an effective protection against C. sinensis in fish body. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the feed-based recombinant spores could trigger high levels of mucosal and humoral immunity, and would be a promising candidate vaccine against C. sinensis metacercariae formation in freshwater fish. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PC Scene Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buford, James A., Jr.; Cosby, David; Bunfield, Dennis H.; Mayhall, Anthony J.; Trimble, Darian E.

2007-04-01

AMRDEC has successfully tested hardware and software for Real-Time Scene Generation for IR and SAL Sensors on COTS PC based hardware and video cards. AMRDEC personnel worked with nVidia and Concurrent Computer Corporation to develop a Scene Generation system capable of frame rates of at least 120Hz while frame locked to an external source (such as a missile seeker) with no dropped frames. Latency measurements and image validation were performed using COTS and in-house developed hardware and software. Software for the Scene Generation system was developed using OpenSceneGraph.

The design of visualization telemetry system based on camera module of the commercial smartphone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chao; Ye, Zhao; Wu, Bin; Yin, Huan; Cao, Qipeng; Zhu, Jun

2017-09-01

Satellite telemetry is the vital indicators to estimate the performance of the satellite. The telemetry data, the threshold range and the variation tendency collected during the whole operational life of the satellite, can guide and evaluate the subsequent design of the satellite in the future. The rotational parts on the satellite (e.g. solar arrays, antennas and oscillating mirrors) affect collecting the solar energy and the other functions of the satellite. Visualization telemetries (pictures, video) are captured to interpret the status of the satellite qualitatively in real time as an important supplement for troubleshooting. The mature technology of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products have obvious advantages in terms of the design of construction, electronics, interfaces and image processing. Also considering the weight, power consumption, and cost, it can be directly used in our application or can be adopted for secondary development. In this paper, characteristic simulations of solar arrays radiation in orbit are presented, and a suitable camera module of certain commercial smartphone is adopted after the precise calculation and the product selection process. Considering the advantages of the COTS devices, which can solve both the fundamental and complicated satellite problems, this technique proposed is innovative to the project implementation in the future.

CotA, a Multicopper Oxidase from Bacillus pumilus WH4, Exhibits Manganese-Oxidase Activity

PubMed Central

Su, Jianmei; Bao, Peng; Bai, Tenglong; Deng, Lin; Wu, Hui; Liu, Fan; He, Jin

2013-01-01

Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) are a family of enzymes that use copper ions as cofactors to oxidize various substrates. Previous research has demonstrated that several MCOs such as MnxG, MofA and MoxA can act as putative Mn(II) oxidases. Meanwhile, the endospore coat protein CotA from Bacillus species has been confirmed as a typical MCO. To study the relationship between CotA and the Mn(II) oxidation, the cotA gene from a highly active Mn(II)-oxidizing strain Bacillus pumilus WH4 was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli strain M15. The purified CotA contained approximately four copper atoms per molecule and showed spectroscopic properties typical of blue copper oxidases. Importantly, apart from the laccase activities, the CotA also displayed substantial Mn(II)-oxidase activities both in liquid culture system and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The optimum Mn(II) oxidase activity was obtained at 53°C in HEPES buffer (pH 8.0) supplemented with 0.8 mM CuCl2. Besides, the addition of o-phenanthroline and EDTA both led to a complete suppression of Mn(II)-oxidizing activity. The specific activity of purified CotA towards Mn(II) was 0.27 U/mg. The Km, Vmax and kcat values towards Mn(II) were 14.85±1.17 mM, 3.01×10−6±0.21 M·min−1 and 0.32±0.02 s−1, respectively. Moreover, the Mn(II)-oxidizing activity of the recombinant E. coli strain M15-pQE-cotA was significantly increased when cultured both in Mn-containing K liquid medium and on agar plates. After 7-day liquid cultivation, M15-pQE-cotA resulted in 18.2% removal of Mn(II) from the medium. Furthermore, the biogenic Mn oxides were clearly observed on the cell surfaces of M15-pQE-cotA by scanning electron microscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first report that provides the direct observation of Mn(II) oxidation with the heterologously expressed protein CotA, Therefore, this novel finding not only establishes the foundation for in-depth study of Mn(II) oxidation mechanisms, but also offers a potential biocatalyst for Mn(II) removal. PMID:23577125

Differences in infant and parent behaviors during routine bed sharing compared with cot sleeping in the home setting.

PubMed

Baddock, Sally A; Galland, Barbara C; Bolton, David P G; Williams, Sheila M; Taylor, Barry J

2006-05-01

To observe the behavior of infants sleeping in the natural physical environment of home, comparing the 2 different sleep practices of bed sharing and cot sleeping quantifying to factors that have been identified as potential risks or benefits. Forty routine bed-sharing infants, aged 5-27 weeks were matched for age and season of study with 40 routine cot-sleeping infants. Overnight video and physiologic data of bed-share infants and cot-sleep infants were recorded in the infants' own homes. Sleep time, sleep position, movements, feeding, blanket height, parental checks, and time out of the bed or cot were logged. The total sleep time was similar in both groups (bed-sharing median: 8.6 hours; cot-sleeping median: 8.2 hours). Bed-sharing infants spent most time in the side position (median: 5.7 hours, 66% of sleep time) and most commonly woke at the end of sleep in this position, whereas cot-sleeping infants most commonly slept supine (median: 7.5 hours, 100%) and woke at the end of sleep in the supine position. Prone sleep was uncommon in both groups. Head covering above the eyes occurred in 22 bed-sharing infants and 1 cot-sleeping infant. Five of these bed-sharing infants were head covered at final waking time, but the cot-sleeping infant was not. Bed-sharing parents looked at or touched their infant more often (median: 11 vs 4 times per night) but did not always fully wake to do so. Movement episodes were shorter in the bed-sharing group as was total movement time (37 vs 50 minutes respectively), whereas feeding was 3.7 times more frequent in the bed-sharing group than the cot-sleeping group. Bed-share infants without known risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) experience increased maternal touching and looking, increased breastfeeding, and faster and more frequent maternal responses. This high level of interaction is unlikely to occur if maternal arousal is impaired, for example, by alcohol or overtiredness. Increased head covering and side sleep position occur during bed-sharing, but whether these factors increase the risk of SIDS, as they do in cot sleeping, requires further investigation.

Development of wide band digital receiver for atmospheric radars using COTS board based SDR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasodha, Polisetti; Jayaraman, Achuthan; Thriveni, A.

2016-07-01

Digital receiver extracts the received echo signal information, and is a potential subsystem for atmospheric radar, also referred to as wind profiling radar (WPR), which provides the vertical profiles of 3-dimensional wind vector in the atmosphere. This paper presents the development of digital receiver using COTS board based Software Defined Radio technique, which can be used for atmospheric radars. The developmental work is being carried out at National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Gadanki. The digital receiver consists of a commercially available software defined radio (SDR) board called as universal software radio peripheral B210 (USRP B210) and a personal computer. USRP B210 operates over a wider frequency range from 70 MHz to 6 GHz and hence can be used for variety of radars like Doppler weather radars operating in S/C bands, in addition to wind profiling radars operating in VHF, UHF and L bands. Due to the flexibility and re-configurability of SDR, where the component functionalities are implemented in software, it is easy to modify the software to receive the echoes and process them as per the requirement suitable for the type of the radar intended. Hence, USRP B210 board along with the computer forms a versatile digital receiver from 70 MHz to 6 GHz. It has an inbuilt direct conversion transceiver with two transmit and two receive channels, which can be operated in fully coherent 2x2 MIMO fashion and thus it can be used as a two channel receiver. Multiple USRP B210 boards can be synchronized using the pulse per second (PPS) input provided on the board, to configure multi-channel digital receiver system. RF gain of the transceiver can be varied from 0 to 70 dB. The board can be controlled from the computer via USB 3.0 interface through USRP hardware driver (UHD), which is an open source cross platform driver. The USRP B210 board is connected to the personal computer through USB 3.0. Reference (10 MHz) clock signal from the radar master oscillator is used to lock the board, which is essential for deriving Doppler information. Input from the radar analog receiver is given to one channel of USRP B210, which is down converted to baseband. 12-bit ADC present on the board digitizes the signal and produces I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature-phase) data. The maximum sampling rate possible is about 61 MSPS. The I and Q (time series) data is sent to PC via USB 3.0, where the signal processing is carried out. The online processing steps include decimation, range gating, decoding, coherent integration and FFT computation (optional). The processed data is then stored in the hard disk. C++ programming language is used for developing the real time signal processing. Shared memory along with multi threading is used to collect and process data simultaneously. Before implementing the real time operation, stand alone test of the board was carried out through GNU radio software and the base band output data obtained is found satisfactory. Later the board is integrated with the existing Lower Atmospheric Wind Profiling radar at NARL. The radar receive IF output at 70 MHz is given to the board and the real-time radar data is collected. The data is processed off-line and the range-doppler spectrum is obtained. Online processing software is under progress.

Robotic tape library system level testing at NSA: Present and planned

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shields, Michael F.

1994-01-01

In the present of declining Defense budgets, increased pressure has been placed on the DOD to utilize Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) solutions to incrementally solve a wide variety of our computer processing requirements. With the rapid growth in processing power, significant expansion of high performance networking, and the increased complexity of applications data sets, the requirement for high performance, large capacity, reliable and secure, and most of all affordable robotic tape storage libraries has greatly increased. Additionally, the migration to a heterogeneous, distributed computing environment has further complicated the problem. With today's open system compute servers approaching yesterday's supercomputer capabilities, the need for affordable, reliable secure Mass Storage Systems (MSS) has taken on an ever increasing importance to our processing center's ability to satisfy operational mission requirements. To that end, NSA has established an in-house capability to acquire, test, and evaluate COTS products. Its goal is to qualify a set of COTS MSS libraries, thereby achieving a modicum of standardization for robotic tape libraries which can satisfy our low, medium, and high performance file and volume serving requirements. In addition, NSA has established relations with other Government Agencies to complete this in-house effort and to maximize our research, testing, and evaluation work. While the preponderance of the effort is focused at the high end of the storage ladder, considerable effort will be extended this year and next at the server class or mid range storage systems.

Onboard Processor for Compressing HSI Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Sid; Harsanyi, Joe; Day, John H. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

With EO-1 Hyperion and MightySat in orbit NASA and the DoD are showing their continued commitment to hyperspectral imaging (HSI). As HSI sensor technology continues to mature, the ever-increasing amounts of sensor data generated will result in a need for more cost effective communication and data handling systems. Lockheed Martin, with considerable experience in spacecraft design and developing special purpose onboard processors, has teamed with Applied Signal & Image Technology (ASIT), who has an extensive heritage in HSI, to develop a real-time and intelligent onboard processing (OBP) system to reduce HSI sensor downlink requirements. Our goal is to reduce the downlink requirement by a factor greater than 100, while retaining the necessary spectral fidelity of the sensor data needed to satisfy the many science, military, and intelligence goals of these systems. Our initial spectral compression experiments leverage commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) spectral exploitation algorithms for segmentation, material identification and spectral compression that ASIT has developed. ASIT will also support the modification and integration of this COTS software into the OBP. Other commercially available COTS software for spatial compression will also be employed as part of the overall compression processing sequence. Over the next year elements of a high-performance reconfigurable OBP will be developed to implement proven preprocessing steps that distill the HSI data stream in both spectral and spatial dimensions. The system will intelligently reduce the volume of data that must be stored, transmitted to the ground, and processed while minimizing the loss of information.

Cot/tpl2-MKK1/2-Erk1/2 controls mTORC1-mediated mRNA translation in Toll-like receptor–activated macrophages

PubMed Central

López-Pelaéz, Marta; Fumagalli, Stefano; Sanz, Carlos; Herrero, Clara; Guerra, Susana; Fernandez, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2012-01-01

Cot/tpl2 is the only MAP3K that activates MKK1/2-Erk1/2 in Toll-like receptor–activated macrophages. Here we show that Cot/tpl2 regulates RSK, S6 ribosomal protein, and 4E-BP phosphorylation after stimulation of bone marrow–derived macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), poly I:C, or zymosan. The dissociation of the 4E-BP–eIF4E complex, a key event in the cap-dependent mRNA translation initiation, is dramatically reduced in LPS-stimulated Cot/tpl2-knockout (KO) macrophages versus LPS-stimulated wild-type (Wt) macrophages. Accordingly, after LPS activation, increased cap-dependent translation is observed in Wt macrophages but not in Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages. In agreement with these data, Cot/tpl2 increases the polysomal recruitment of the 5´ TOP eEF1α and eEF2 mRNAs, as well as of inflammatory mediator gene–encoding mRNAs, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and KC in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, Cot/tpl2 deficiency also reduces total TNFα, IL-6, and KC mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, which is concomitant with a decrease in their mRNA half-lives. Macrophages require rapid fine control of translation to provide an accurate and not self-damaging response to host infection, and our data show that Cot/tpl2 controls inflammatory mediator gene–encoding mRNA translation in Toll-like receptor–activated macrophages. PMID:22675026

MODIS comparisons with northeastern Pacific in situ stratocumulus microphysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noble, Stephen R.; Hudson, James G.

2015-08-01

Vertical sounding measurements within stratocumuli during two aircraft field campaigns, Marine Stratus/stratocumulus Experiment (MASE) and Physics of Stratocumulus Top (POST), are used to validate Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud liquid water path (LWP), and cloud effective radius (re). In situ COT, LWP, and re were calculated using 5 m vertically averaged droplet probe measurements of complete vertical cloud penetrations. MODIS COT, LWP, and re 1 km pixels were averaged along these penetrations. COT comparisons in POST showed strong correlations and a near 1:1 relationship. In MASE, comparisons showed strong correlations; however, MODIS COT exceeded in situ COT, likely due to larger temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements. LWP comparisons between two cloud probes show good agreement for POST but not MASE, giving confidence to POST data. Both projects provided strong LWP correlations but MODIS exceeded in situ by 14-36%. MODIS in situ re correlations were strong, but MODIS 2.1 µm re exceeded in situ re, which contributed to LWP bias; in POST, MODIS re was 20-30% greater than in situ re. Maximum in situ re near cloud top showed comparisons nearer 1:1. Other MODIS re bands (3.7 µm and 1.6 µm) showed similar comparisons. Temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements, airplane speed differences, and cloud probe artifacts were likely causes of weaker MASE correlations. POST COT comparison was best for temporal differences under 20 min. POST data validate MODIS COT but it also implies a positive MODIS re bias that propagates to LWP while still capturing variability.

Cot/tpl2 activity is required for TLR-induced activation of the Akt p70 S6k pathway in macrophages: Implications for NO synthase 2 expression.

PubMed

López-Peláez, Marta; Soria-Castro, Irene; Boscá, Lisardo; Fernández, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2011-06-01

LPS stimulation activates IKK and different MAP kinase pathways, as well as the PI3K-Akt-mTOR-p70 S6k pathway, a negative regulator of these MyD88-dependent intracellular signals. Here, we show that Cot/tpl2, a MAP3K responsible for the activation of the MKK1-Erk1/2, controls P-Ser473 Akt and P-Thr389 p70 S6k phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Analysis of the intracellular signalling in Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages versus WT macrophages reveals lower IκBα recovery and higher phosphorylation of JNK and p38α after 1 h of LPS stimulation. Moreover, Cot/tpl2 deficiency increases LPS-induced NO synthase 2 (NOS2) expression in macrophages. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway abolishes the differences in IκBα and NOS2 expression between Cot/tpl2 KO and WT macrophages following LPS administration. Furthermore, in zymosan- and polyI:C-stimulated macrophages, Cot/tpl2 mediates P-Ser473 Akt phosphorylation, increases IκBα levels and decreases NOS2 expression. In conclusion, these data reveal a novel role for the Cot/tpl2 pathway in mediating TLR activation of the Akt-mTOR-p70 S6k pathway, allowing Cot/tpl2 to fine-control the activation state of other signalling pathways. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cot/tpl2-MKK1/2-Erk1/2 controls mTORC1-mediated mRNA translation in Toll-like receptor-activated macrophages.

PubMed

López-Pelaéz, Marta; Fumagalli, Stefano; Sanz, Carlos; Herrero, Clara; Guerra, Susana; Fernandez, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2012-08-01

Cot/tpl2 is the only MAP3K that activates MKK1/2-Erk1/2 in Toll-like receptor-activated macrophages. Here we show that Cot/tpl2 regulates RSK, S6 ribosomal protein, and 4E-BP phosphorylation after stimulation of bone marrow-derived macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), poly I:C, or zymosan. The dissociation of the 4E-BP-eIF4E complex, a key event in the cap-dependent mRNA translation initiation, is dramatically reduced in LPS-stimulated Cot/tpl2-knockout (KO) macrophages versus LPS-stimulated wild-type (Wt) macrophages. Accordingly, after LPS activation, increased cap-dependent translation is observed in Wt macrophages but not in Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages. In agreement with these data, Cot/tpl2 increases the polysomal recruitment of the 5´ TOP eEF1α and eEF2 mRNAs, as well as of inflammatory mediator gene-encoding mRNAs, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and KC in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, Cot/tpl2 deficiency also reduces total TNFα, IL-6, and KC mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, which is concomitant with a decrease in their mRNA half-lives. Macrophages require rapid fine control of translation to provide an accurate and not self-damaging response to host infection, and our data show that Cot/tpl2 controls inflammatory mediator gene-encoding mRNA translation in Toll-like receptor-activated macrophages.

48 CFR 12.103 - Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) items.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION PLANNING ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS Acquisition of Commercial Items... indicated otherwise, all of the policies that apply to commercial items also apply to COTS. Section 12.505 lists the laws that are not applicable to COTS (in addition to 12.503 and 12.504); the components test...

Regulation of Neurospora crassa cell wall remodeling via the cot-1 pathway is mediated by gul-1.

PubMed

Herold, Inbal; Yarden, Oded

2017-02-01

Impairment of the Neurospora crassa Nuclear DBF2-related kinase-encoding gene cot-1 results in pleiotropic effects, including abnormally thick hyphal cell walls and septa. An increase in the transcript abundance of genes encoding chitin and glucan synthases and the chitinase gh18-5, but not the cell wall integrity pathway transcription factor rlm-1, accompany the phenotypic changes observed. Deletion of chs-5 or chs-7 in a cot-1 background results in a reduction of hyperbranching frequency characteristic of the cot-1 parent. gul-1 (a homologue of the yeast SSD1 gene) encodes a translational regulator and has been shown to partially suppress cot-1. We demonstrate that the high expression levels of the cell wall remodeling genes analyzed is curbed, and reaches near wild type levels, when gul-1 is inactivated. This is accompanied by morphological changes that include reduced cell wall thickness and restoration of normal chitin levels. We conclude that gul-1 is a mediator of cell wall remodeling within the cot-1 pathway.

Work Enabling Opioid Management.

PubMed

Lavin, Robert A; Kalia, Nimisha; Yuspeh, Larry; Barry, Jill A; Bernacki, Edward J; Tao, Xuguang Grant

2017-08-01

This study describes the relationship between opioid prescribing and ability to work. The opioid prescription patterns of 4994 claimants were studied. Three groups were constructed: 1) at least 3 consecutive months prescribed (chronic opioid therapy; COT); 2) less than 3 consecutive months prescribed (acute opioid therapy; AOT); and 3) no opioids prescribed. Variables included sex, age, daily morphine equivalent dose (MED), days opioids were prescribed, temporary total days (TTDs), and medical/indemnity/total costs. The COT versus AOT claimants had higher opioid costs ($8618 vs $94), longer TTD (636.2 vs 182.3), and average MED (66.8 vs 34.9). Only 2% of the COT cohort were not released to work. Fifty-seven percent of patients in the COT category (64 of 112) were released to work while still receiving opioids. COT does not preclude ability to work when prescribing within established guidelines.

Characterization of Uranium Ore Concentrate Chemical Composition via Raman Spectroscopy

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

Su, Yin-Fong; Tonkyn, Russell G.; Sweet, Lucas E.

Uranium Ore Concentrate (UOC, often called yellowcake) is a generic term that describes the initial product resulting from the mining and subsequent milling of uranium ores en route to production of the U-compounds used in the fuel cycle. Depending on the mine, the ore, the chemical process, and the treatment parameters, UOC composition can vary greatly. With the recent advent of handheld spectrometers, we have chosen to investigate whether either commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) handheld devices or laboratory-grade Raman instruments might be able to i) identify UOC materials, and ii) differentiate UOC samples based on chemical composition and thus suggest themore » mining or milling process. Twenty-eight UOC samples were analyzed via FT-Raman spectroscopy using both 1064 nm and 785 nm excitation wavelengths. These data were also compared with results from a newly developed handheld COTS Raman spectrometer using a technique that lowers background fluorescence signal. Initial chemometric analysis was able to differentiate UOC samples based on mine location. Additional compositional information was obtained from the samples by performing XRD analysis on a subset of samples. The compositional information was integrated with chemometric analysis of the spectroscopic dataset allowing confirmation that class identification is possible based on compositional differences between the UOC samples, typically involving species such as U3O8, α-UO2(OH)2, UO4•2H2O (metastudtite), K(UO2)2O3, etc. While there are clearly excitation λ sensitivities, especially for dark samples, Raman analysis coupled with chemometric data treatment can nicely differentiate UOC samples based on composition and even mine origin.« less

Pushing the Limits of Cubesat Attitude Control: A Ground Demonstration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Devon S.; Heater, Daniel L.; Peeples, Steven R.; Sules. James K.; Huang, Po-Hao Adam

2013-01-01

A cubesat attitude control system (ACS) was designed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to provide sub-degree pointing capabilities using low cost, COTS attitude sensors, COTS miniature reaction wheels, and a developmental micro-propulsion system. The ACS sensors and actuators were integrated onto a 3D-printed plastic 3U cubesat breadboard (10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm) with a custom designed instrument board and typical cubesat COTS hardware for the electrical, power, and data handling and processing systems. In addition to the cubesat development, a low-cost air bearing was designed and 3D printed in order to float the cubesat in the test environment. Systems integration and verification were performed at the MSFC Small Projects Rapid Integration & Test Environment laboratory. Using a combination of both the miniature reaction wheels and the micro-propulsion system, the open and closed loop control capabilities of the ACS were tested in the Flight Robotics Laboratory. The testing demonstrated the desired sub-degree pointing capability of the ACS and also revealed the challenges of creating a relevant environment for development testin

Sporulation Temperature Reveals a Requirement for CotE in the Assembly of both the Coat and Exosporium Layers of Bacillus cereus Spores.

PubMed

Bressuire-Isoard, Christelle; Bornard, Isabelle; Henriques, Adriano O; Carlin, Frédéric; Broussolle, Véronique

2016-01-01

The Bacillus cereus spore surface layers consist of a coat surrounded by an exosporium. We investigated the interplay between the sporulation temperature and the CotE morphogenetic protein in the assembly of the surface layers of B. cereus ATCC 14579 spores and on the resulting spore properties. The cotE deletion affects the coat and exosporium composition of the spores formed both at the suboptimal temperature of 20°C and at the optimal growth temperature of 37°C. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ΔcotE spores had a fragmented and detached exosporium when formed at 37°C. However, when produced at 20°C, ΔcotE spores showed defects in both coat and exosporium attachment and were susceptible to lysozyme and mutanolysin. Thus, CotE has a role in the assembly of both the coat and exosporium, which is more important during sporulation at 20°C. CotE was more represented in extracts from spores formed at 20°C than at 37°C, suggesting that increased synthesis of the protein is required to maintain proper assembly of spore surface layers at the former temperature. ΔcotE spores formed at either sporulation temperature were impaired in inosine-triggered germination and resistance to UV-C and H2O2 and were less hydrophobic than wild-type (WT) spores but had a higher resistance to wet heat. While underscoring the role of CotE in the assembly of B. cereus spore surface layers, our study also suggests a contribution of the protein to functional properties of additional spore structures. Moreover, it also suggests a complex relationship between the function of a spore morphogenetic protein and environmental factors such as the temperature during spore formation. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Cot/tpl2 participates in the activation of macrophages by adiponectin.

PubMed

Sanz-Garcia, Carlos; Nagy, Laura E; Lasunción, Miguel A; Fernandez, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2014-06-01

Whereas the main function of APN is to enhance insulin activity, it is also involved in modulating the macrophage phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that at physiological concentrations, APN activates Erk1/2 via the IKKβ-p105/NF-κΒ1-Cot/tpl2 intracellular signal transduction cassette in macrophages. In peritoneal macrophages stimulated with APN, Cot/tpl2 influences the ability to phagocytose beads. However, Cot/tpl2 did not modulate the known capacity of APN to decrease lipid content in peritoneal macrophages in response to treatment with oxLDL or acLDL. A microarray analysis of gene-expression profiles in BMDMs exposed to APN revealed that APN modulated the expression of ∼3300 genes; the most significantly affected biological functions were the inflammatory and the infectious disease responses. qRT-PCR analysis of WT and Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages stimulated with APN for 0, 3, and 18 h revealed that Cot/tpl2 participated in the up-regulation of APN target inflammatory mediators included in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway (KEGG ID 4060). In accordance with these data, macrophages stimulated with APN increased secretion of cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1β, IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, IL-6, and CCL2. Moreover, Cot/tpl2 also played an important role in the production of these inflammatory mediators upon stimulation of macrophages with APN. It has been reported that different types of signals that stimulate TLRs, IL-1R, TNFR, FcγR, and proteinase-activated receptor-1 activate Cot/tpl2. Here, we demonstrate that APN is a new signal that activates the IKKβ-p105/NF-κΒ1-Cot/tpl2-MKK1/2-Erk1/2 axis in macrophages. Furthermore, this signaling cassette modulates the biological functions triggered by APN in macrophages. © 2014 Society for Leukocyte Biology.

Cot/tpl2 participates in the activation of macrophages by adiponectin

PubMed Central

Sanz-Garcia, Carlos; Nagy, Laura E.; Lasunción, Miguel A.; Fernandez, Margarita; Alemany, Susana

2014-01-01

Whereas the main function of APN is to enhance insulin activity, it is also involved in modulating the macrophage phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that at physiological concentrations, APN activates Erk1/2 via the IKKβ-p105/NF-κΒ1-Cot/tpl2 intracellular signal transduction cassette in macrophages. In peritoneal macrophages stimulated with APN, Cot/tpl2 influences the ability to phagocytose beads. However, Cot/tpl2 did not modulate the known capacity of APN to decrease lipid content in peritoneal macrophages in response to treatment with oxLDL or acLDL. A microarray analysis of gene-expression profiles in BMDMs exposed to APN revealed that APN modulated the expression of ∼3300 genes; the most significantly affected biological functions were the inflammatory and the infectious disease responses. qRT-PCR analysis of WT and Cot/tpl2 KO macrophages stimulated with APN for 0, 3, and 18 h revealed that Cot/tpl2 participated in the up-regulation of APN target inflammatory mediators included in the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway (KEGG ID 4060). In accordance with these data, macrophages stimulated with APN increased secretion of cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1β, IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, IL-6, and CCL2. Moreover, Cot/tpl2 also played an important role in the production of these inflammatory mediators upon stimulation of macrophages with APN. It has been reported that different types of signals that stimulate TLRs, IL-1R, TNFR, FcγR, and proteinase-activated receptor-1 activate Cot/tpl2. Here, we demonstrate that APN is a new signal that activates the IKKβ-p105/NF-κΒ1-Cot/tpl2-MKK1/2-Erk1/2 axis in macrophages. Furthermore, this signaling cassette modulates the biological functions triggered by APN in macrophages. PMID:24532642

Interleukin-33/ST2 axis promotes epithelial cell transformation and breast tumorigenesis via upregulation of COT activity.

PubMed

Kim, J Y; Lim, S-C; Kim, G; Yun, H J; Ahn, S-G; Choi, H S

2015-09-17

Cytokines of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, such as IL-1α/β and IL-18, have pleiotropic activities in innate and adaptive immune responses in host defense and diseases. Insight into their biological functions helped develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat human inflammatory diseases. IL-33 is an important member of the IL-1 family of cytokines and is a ligand of the ST2 receptor, a member of the IL-1 receptor family. However, the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in tumor growth and metastasis of breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that IL-33 is a critical tumor promoter during epithelial cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in the breast. IL-33 dose- and time-dependently increased Cancer Osaka Thyroid (COT) phosphorylation via ST2-COT interaction in normal epithelial and breast cancer cells. The IL-33/ST2/COT cascade induced the activation of the MEK-ERK (MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase), JNK-cJun (cJun N-terminal kinase-cJun) and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling pathways, followed by increased AP-1 and stat3 transcriptional activity. When small interfering RNAs of ST2 and COT were introduced into cells, IL-33-induced AP-1 and stat3 activity were significantly decreased, unlike that in the control cells. The inhibition of COT activity resulted in decreased IL-33-induced epithelial cell transformation, and knockdown of IL-33, ST2 and COT in breast cancer cells attenuated tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells. Consistent with these observations, ST2 levels were positively correlated with COT expression in human breast cancer. These findings provide a novel perspective on the role of the IL-33/ST2/COT signaling pathway in supporting cancer-associated inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. Therapeutic approaches that target this pathway may, therefore, effectively inhibit carcinogenesis in the breast.

Architecture and assembly of the Bacillus subtilis spore coat.

PubMed

Plomp, Marco; Carroll, Alicia Monroe; Setlow, Peter; Malkin, Alexander J

2014-01-01

Bacillus spores are encased in a multilayer, proteinaceous self-assembled coat structure that assists in protecting the bacterial genome from stresses and consists of at least 70 proteins. The elucidation of Bacillus spore coat assembly, architecture, and function is critical to determining mechanisms of spore pathogenesis, environmental resistance, immune response, and physicochemical properties. Recently, genetic, biochemical and microscopy methods have provided new insight into spore coat architecture, assembly, structure and function. However, detailed spore coat architecture and assembly, comprehensive understanding of the proteomic composition of coat layers, and specific roles of coat proteins in coat assembly and their precise localization within the coat remain in question. In this study, atomic force microscopy was used to probe the coat structure of Bacillus subtilis wild type and cotA, cotB, safA, cotH, cotO, cotE, gerE, and cotE gerE spores. This approach provided high-resolution visualization of the various spore coat structures, new insight into the function of specific coat proteins, and enabled the development of a detailed model of spore coat architecture. This model is consistent with a recently reported four-layer coat assembly and further adds several coat layers not reported previously. The coat is organized starting from the outside into an outermost amorphous (crust) layer, a rodlet layer, a honeycomb layer, a fibrous layer, a layer of "nanodot" particles, a multilayer assembly, and finally the undercoat/basement layer. We propose that the assembly of the previously unreported fibrous layer, which we link to the darkly stained outer coat seen by electron microscopy, and the nanodot layer are cotH- and cotE- dependent and cotE-specific respectively. We further propose that the inner coat multilayer structure is crystalline with its apparent two-dimensional (2D) nuclei being the first example of a non-mineral 2D nucleation crystallization pattern in a biological organism.

Architecture and Assembly of the Bacillus subtilis Spore Coat

PubMed Central

Plomp, Marco; Carroll, Alicia Monroe; Setlow, Peter; Malkin, Alexander J.

2014-01-01

Bacillus spores are encased in a multilayer, proteinaceous self-assembled coat structure that assists in protecting the bacterial genome from stresses and consists of at least 70 proteins. The elucidation of Bacillus spore coat assembly, architecture, and function is critical to determining mechanisms of spore pathogenesis, environmental resistance, immune response, and physicochemical properties. Recently, genetic, biochemical and microscopy methods have provided new insight into spore coat architecture, assembly, structure and function. However, detailed spore coat architecture and assembly, comprehensive understanding of the proteomic composition of coat layers, and specific roles of coat proteins in coat assembly and their precise localization within the coat remain in question. In this study, atomic force microscopy was used to probe the coat structure of Bacillus subtilis wild type and cotA, cotB, safA, cotH, cotO, cotE, gerE, and cotE gerE spores. This approach provided high-resolution visualization of the various spore coat structures, new insight into the function of specific coat proteins, and enabled the development of a detailed model of spore coat architecture. This model is consistent with a recently reported four-layer coat assembly and further adds several coat layers not reported previously. The coat is organized starting from the outside into an outermost amorphous (crust) layer, a rodlet layer, a honeycomb layer, a fibrous layer, a layer of “nanodot” particles, a multilayer assembly, and finally the undercoat/basement layer. We propose that the assembly of the previously unreported fibrous layer, which we link to the darkly stained outer coat seen by electron microscopy, and the nanodot layer are cotH- and cotE- dependent and cotE-specific respectively. We further propose that the inner coat multilayer structure is crystalline with its apparent two-dimensional (2D) nuclei being the first example of a non-mineral 2D nucleation crystallization pattern in a biological organism. PMID:25259857

Tpl-2/Cot and COX-2 in breast cancer.

PubMed

Krcova, Zuzana; Ehrmann, Jiri; Krejci, Veronika; Eliopoulos, Aris; Kolar, Zdenek

2008-06-01

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and although mortality (129,000/year) stagnates, incidence (370,000/year) is increasing. In addition to histological type, grade, stage, hormonal and c-erbB2 status there is therefore a strong need for new and reliable prognostic and predictive factors. This minireview focuses on two potential prognostic and predictive candidates Tpl2/Cot and COX-2 and summarise information about them. Tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2/Cot) is a serine/threonine protein kinase belonging to the family of MAP3 kinases. Activated Tpl2/Cot leads to induction of ERK1/2, JNK, NF-kappaB and p38MAPK pathways. The first study on Tpl2/Cot mRNA in breast cancer showed its increase in 40 % of cases of breast cancer but no available data exist on protein expression. Cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) is inducible by growth and inflammatory factors and contributes to the development of various tumours. Expression of COX-2 in breast cancer varied from 5-100 % in reviewed papers with significantly higher values in poorly differentiated tumours. Tpl2/Cot and COX-2 have their importance in different intracellular pathways and some of these are involved in cancer development. Briefly, the results from recent studies suggest that Tpl2/Cot and COX-2 could be prognostic factors in breast cancer.

Altering Neurospora crassa MOB2A exposes its functions in development and affects its interaction with the NDR kinase COT1.

PubMed

Aharoni-Kats, Liran; Zelinger, Einat; Chen, She; Yarden, Oded

2018-06-01

The Neurospora crassa Mps One Binder (MOB) proteins MOB2A and MOB2B physically interact with the Nuclear Dbf2 Related (NDR) kinase COT1 and have been shown to have overlapping functions in various aspects of asexual development. Here, we identified two N. crassa MOB2A residues, Tyr117 and Tyr119, which are potentially phosphorylated. Using phosphomimetic mob-2a mutants we have been able to establish that apart from their previously described roles, MOB2A/B are involved in additional developmental processes. Enhanced conidial germination, accompanied by conidial agglutination, in the phosphomimetic mutants indicated that MOB2A is a negative regulator of germination. Thick-section imaging of perithecia revealed slow maturation and a lack of asci alignment in the mutant strains demonstrating a role for MOB2A in sexual development. We demonstrate that even though MOB2A and MOB2B have some overlapping functions, MOB2B cannot compensate for the roles MOB2A has in conidiation and germination. Altering Tyr residues 117 and 119 impaired the physical interactions between MOB2A and COT1, most likely contributing to some of the observed effects. As cot-1 and the phosphomimetic mutants share an extragenic suppressor (gul-1), we concluded that at least some of the effects imposed by altering Tyr117 and Tyr119 are mediated by the NDR kinase. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Nicotine Metabolite Ratio (3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine) in Plasma and Urine by Different Analytical Methods and Laboratories: Implications for Clinical Implementation

PubMed Central

Tanner, Julie-Anne; Novalen, Maria; Jatlow, Peter; Huestis, Marilyn A.; Murphy, Sharon E.; Kaprio, Jaakko; Kankaanpää, Aino; Galanti, Laurence; Stefan, Cristiana; George, Tony P.; Benowitz, Neal L.; Lerman, Caryn; Tyndale, Rachel F.

2015-01-01

Background The highly genetically variable enzyme CYP2A6 metabolizes nicotine to cotinine (COT) and COT to trans-3′-hydroxycotinine (3HC). The nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR, 3HC/COT) is commonly used as a biomarker of CYP2A6 enzymatic activity, rate of nicotine metabolism, and total nicotine clearance; NMR is associated with numerous smoking phenotypes, including smoking cessation. Our objective was to investigate the impact of different measurement methods, at different sites, on plasma and urinary NMR measures from ad libitum smokers. Methods Plasma (n=35) and urine (n=35) samples were sent to eight different laboratories, which employed similar and different methods of COT and 3HC measurements to derive the NMR. We used Bland-Altman analysis to assess agreement, and Pearson correlations to evaluate associations, between NMR measured by different methods. Results Measures of plasma NMR were in strong agreement between methods according to Bland-Altman analysis (ratios 0.82–1.16) and were highly correlated (all Pearson r>0.96, P<0.0001). Measures of urinary NMR were in relatively weaker agreement (ratios 0.62–1.71) and less strongly correlated (Pearson r values of 0.66–0.98, P<0.0001) between different methods. Plasma and urinary COT and 3HC concentrations, while weaker than NMR, also showed good agreement in plasma, which was better than in urine, as was observed for NMR. Conclusions Plasma is a very reliable biological source for the determination of NMR, robust to differences in these analytical protocols or assessment site. Impact Together this indicates a reduced need for differential interpretation of plasma NMR results based on the approach used, allowing for direct comparison of different studies. PMID:26014804

Observational study of treatment space in individual neonatal cot spaces.

PubMed

Hignett, Sue; Lu, Jun; Fray, Mike

2010-01-01

Technology developments in neonatal intensive care units have increased the spatial requirements for clinical activities. Because the effectiveness of healthcare delivery is determined in part by the design of the physical environment and the spatial organization of work, it is appropriate to apply an evidence-based approach to architectural design. This study aimed to provide empirical evidence of the spatial requirements for an individual cot or incubator space. Observational data from 2 simulation exercises were combined with an expert review to produce a final recommendation. A validated 5-step protocol was used to collect data. Step 1 defined the clinical specialty and space. In step 2, data were collected with 28 staff members and 15 neonates to produce a simulation scenario representing the frequent and safety-critical activities. In step 3, 21 staff members participated in functional space experiments to determine the average spatial requirements. Step 4 incorporated additional data (eg, storage and circulation) to produce a spatial recommendation. Finally, the recommendation was reviewed in step 5 by a national expert clinical panel to consider alternative layouts and technology. The average space requirement for an individual neonatal intensive care unit cot (incubator) space was 13.5 m2 (or 145.3 ft2). The circulation and storage space requirements added in step 4 increased this to 18.46 m2 (or 198.7 ft2). The expert panel reviewed the recommendation and agreed that the average individual cot space (13.5 m2/[or 145.3 ft2]) would accommodate variance in working practices. Care needs to be taken when extrapolating this recommendation to multiple cot areas to maintain the minimum spatial requirement.

Assessment of the NPOESS/VIIRS Nighttime Infrared Cloud Optical Properties Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, E.; Ou, S. C.

2008-12-01

In this paper we will describe two NPOESS VIIRS IR algorithms used to retrieve microphysical properties for water and ice clouds during nighttime conditions. Both algorithms employ four VIIRS IR channels: M12 (3.7 μm), M14 (8.55 μm), M15 (10.7 μm) and M16 (12 μm). The physical basis for the two algorithms is similar in that while the Cloud Top Temperature (CTT) is derived from M14 and M16 for ice clouds the Cloud Optical Thickness (COT) and Cloud Effective Particle Size (CEPS) are derived from M12 and M15. The two algorithms depart in the different radiative transfer parameterization equations used for ice and water clouds. Both the VIIRS nighttime IR algorithms and the CERES split-window method employ the 3.7 μm and 10.7 μm bands for cloud optical properties retrievals, apparently based on similar physical principles but with different implementations. It is reasonable to expect that the VIIRS and CERES IR algorithms produce comparable performance and similar limitations. To demonstrate the VIIRS nighttime IR algorithm performance, we will select a number of test cases using NASA MODIS L1b radiance products as proxy input data for VIIRS. The VIIRS retrieved COT and CEPS will then be compared to cloud products available from the MODIS, NASA CALIPSO, CloudSat and CERES sensors. For the MODIS product, the nighttime cloud emissivity will serve as an indirect comparison to VIIRS COT. For the CALIPSO and CloudSat products, the layered COT will be used for direct comparison. Finally, the CERES products will provide direct comparison with COT as well as CEPS. This study can only provide a qualitative assessment of the VIIRS IR algorithms due to the large uncertainties in these cloud products.

Survey of American College of Surgeons Committee on trauma members on firearm injury: Consensus and opportunities.

PubMed

Kuhls, Deborah A; Campbell, Brendan T; Burke, Peter A; Allee, Lisa; Hink, Ashley; Letton, Robert W; Masiakos, Peter T; Coburn, Michael; Alvi, Maria; Lerer, Trudy J; Gaines, Barbara A; Nance, Michael L; Schuerer, Douglas J E; Palmieri, Tina L; Davis, James W; Geehan, Douglas M; Elsey, James K; Sutton, Beth H; McAndrew, Mark P; Gross, Ronald I; Reed, Donald N; Van Boerum, Don H; Esposito, Thomas J; Albrecht, Roxie M; Sarani, Babak; Shapiro, David S; Wiggins-Dohlvik, Katie; Stewart, Ronald M

2017-05-01

In the United States, there is a perceived divide regarding the benefits and risks of firearm ownership. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Injury Prevention and Control Committee designed a survey to evaluate Committee on Trauma (COT) member attitudes about firearm ownership, freedom, responsibility, physician-patient freedom and policy, with the objective of using survey results to inform firearm injury prevention policy development. A 32-question survey was sent to 254 current U.S. COT members by email using Qualtrics. SPSS was used for χ exact tests and nonparametric tests, with statistical significance being less than 0.05. Our response rate was 93%, 43% of COT members have firearm(s) in their home, 88% believe that the American College of Surgeons should give the highest or a high priority to reducing firearm-related injuries, 86% believe health care professionals should be allowed to counsel patients on firearms safety, 94% support federal funding for firearms injury prevention research. The COT participants were asked to provide their opinion on the American College of Surgeons initiating advocacy efforts and there was 90% or greater agreement on 7 of 15 and 80% or greater on 10 of 15 initiatives. The COT surgeons agree on: (1) the importance of formally addressing firearm injury prevention, (2) allowing federal funds to support research on firearms injury prevention, (3) retaining the ability of health care professionals to counsel patients on firearms-related injury prevention, and (4) the majority of policy initiatives targeted to reduce interpersonal violence and firearm injury. It is incumbent on trauma and injury prevention organizations to leverage these consensus-based results to initiate prevention, advocacy, and other efforts to decrease firearms injury and death. Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level I; therapeutic care, level II.

48 CFR 52.225-2 - Buy American Act Certificate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... listed in paragraph (b) of this provision, is a domestic end product and that for other than COTS items... COTS item and does not meet the component test in paragraph (2) of the definition of “domestic end product.” The terms “commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item, ” “component,” “domestic end...

Applications Development for a Parallel COTS Spaceborne Computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katz, Daniel S.; Springer, Paul L.; Granat, Robert; Turmon, Michael

2000-01-01

This presentation reviews the Remote Exploration and Experimentation Project (REE) program for utilization of scalable supercomputing technology in space. The implementation of REE will be the use of COTS hardware and software to the maximum extent possible, keeping overhead low. Since COTS systems will be used, with little or no special modification, there will be significant cost reduction.

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

Noble, Stephen R.; Hudson, James G.

Here, vertical sounding measurements within stratocumuli during two aircraft field campaigns, Marine Stratus/stratocumulus Experiment (MASE) and Physics of Stratocumulus Top (POST), are used to validate Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud liquid water path (LWP), and cloud effective radius (r e). In situ COT, LWP, and r e were calculated using 5 m vertically averaged droplet probe measurements of complete vertical cloud penetrations. MODIS COT, LWP, and r e 1 km pixels were averaged along these penetrations. COT comparisons in POST showed strong correlations and a near 1:1 relationship. In MASE, comparisons showed strong correlations; however,more » MODIS COT exceeded in situ COT, likely due to larger temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements. LWP comparisons between two cloud probes show good agreement for POST but not MASE, giving confidence to POST data. Both projects provided strong LWP correlations but MODIS exceeded in situ by 14–36%. MODIS in situ r e correlations were strong, but MODIS 2.1 µm r e exceeded in situ r e, which contributed to LWP bias; in POST, MODIS r e was 20–30% greater than in situ r e. Maximum in situ r e near cloud top showed comparisons nearer 1:1. Other MODIS r e bands (3.7 µm and 1.6 µm) showed similar comparisons. Temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements, airplane speed differences, and cloud probe artifacts were likely causes of weaker MASE correlations. POST COT comparison was best for temporal differences under 20 min. POST data validate MODIS COT but it also implies a positive MODIS r e bias that propagates to LWP while still capturing variability.« less

Advance care planning: the impact of Ceiling of Treatment plans in patients with Coordinate My Care.

PubMed

Broadhurst, Helen Lucy; Droney, Joanne; Callender, Tom; Shaw, Amanda; Riley, Julia

2018-03-22

The aim of this evaluation is to describe the components and results of urgent care planning in Coordinate My Care (CMC), a digital clinical service for patients with life-limiting illness, for use if a patient is unable to make or express choices. Ceiling of treatment (CoT) plans were created detailing where the patient would like to receive their care and how aggressive medical interventions should be. A retrospective service evaluation was completed of all CMC records created between December 2015 and September 2016 (n=6854). CMC records were divided into two cohorts: those with a CoT plan and those without. The factors associated with these cohorts were reviewed including age, diagnosis, resuscitation status and preferences for place of death (PPD). Analysis of the non-mandatory free text section was carried out. Two-thirds of patients had recorded decisions about CoT. Regardless of which CoT option was chosen, for most patients, PPD was home or care home. Patients with a CoT plan were more likely to have a documented resuscitation status.Patients with a CoT were more likely to die in their PPD (82%vs71%, OR 1.79, p<0.0001). A higher proportion of patients with a CoT decision died outside hospital. This analysis demonstrates that a substantial proportion of patients are willing to engage in urgent care planning. Three facets of urgent care planning identified include PPD, CoT and resuscitation status. © 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.

MODIS comparisons with northeastern Pacific in situ stratocumulus microphysics

PubMed Central

Noble, Stephen R.

2015-01-01

Abstract Vertical sounding measurements within stratocumuli during two aircraft field campaigns, Marine Stratus/stratocumulus Experiment (MASE) and Physics of Stratocumulus Top (POST), are used to validate Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud liquid water path (LWP), and cloud effective radius (r e). In situ COT, LWP, and r e were calculated using 5 m vertically averaged droplet probe measurements of complete vertical cloud penetrations. MODIS COT, LWP, and r e 1 km pixels were averaged along these penetrations. COT comparisons in POST showed strong correlations and a near 1:1 relationship. In MASE, comparisons showed strong correlations; however, MODIS COT exceeded in situ COT, likely due to larger temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements. LWP comparisons between two cloud probes show good agreement for POST but not MASE, giving confidence to POST data. Both projects provided strong LWP correlations but MODIS exceeded in situ by 14–36%. MODIS in situ r e correlations were strong, but MODIS 2.1 µm r e exceeded in situ r e, which contributed to LWP bias; in POST, MODIS r e was 20–30% greater than in situ r e. Maximum in situ r e near cloud top showed comparisons nearer 1:1. Other MODIS r e bands (3.7 µm and 1.6 µm) showed similar comparisons. Temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements, airplane speed differences, and cloud probe artifacts were likely causes of weaker MASE correlations. POST COT comparison was best for temporal differences under 20 min. POST data validate MODIS COT but it also implies a positive MODIS r e bias that propagates to LWP while still capturing variability. PMID:27708990

MODIS comparisons with northeastern Pacific in situ stratocumulus microphysics

DOE PAGES

Noble, Stephen R.; Hudson, James G.

2015-07-22

Here, vertical sounding measurements within stratocumuli during two aircraft field campaigns, Marine Stratus/stratocumulus Experiment (MASE) and Physics of Stratocumulus Top (POST), are used to validate Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud liquid water path (LWP), and cloud effective radius (r e). In situ COT, LWP, and r e were calculated using 5 m vertically averaged droplet probe measurements of complete vertical cloud penetrations. MODIS COT, LWP, and r e 1 km pixels were averaged along these penetrations. COT comparisons in POST showed strong correlations and a near 1:1 relationship. In MASE, comparisons showed strong correlations; however,more » MODIS COT exceeded in situ COT, likely due to larger temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements. LWP comparisons between two cloud probes show good agreement for POST but not MASE, giving confidence to POST data. Both projects provided strong LWP correlations but MODIS exceeded in situ by 14–36%. MODIS in situ r e correlations were strong, but MODIS 2.1 µm r e exceeded in situ r e, which contributed to LWP bias; in POST, MODIS r e was 20–30% greater than in situ r e. Maximum in situ r e near cloud top showed comparisons nearer 1:1. Other MODIS r e bands (3.7 µm and 1.6 µm) showed similar comparisons. Temporal differences between MODIS and in situ measurements, airplane speed differences, and cloud probe artifacts were likely causes of weaker MASE correlations. POST COT comparison was best for temporal differences under 20 min. POST data validate MODIS COT but it also implies a positive MODIS r e bias that propagates to LWP while still capturing variability.« less

The Standard Autonomous File Server, a Customized, Off-the-Shelf Success Story

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Semancik, Susan K.; Conger, Annette M.; Obenschain, Arthur F. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The Standard Autonomous File Server (SAFS), which includes both off-the-shelf hardware and software, uses an improved automated file transfer process to provide a quicker, more reliable, prioritized file distribution for customers of near real-time data without interfering with the assets involved in the acquisition and processing of the data. It operates as a stand-alone solution, monitoring itself, and providing an automated fail-over process to enhance reliability. This paper will describe the unique problems and lessons learned both during the COTS selection and integration into SAFS, and the system's first year of operation in support of NASA's satellite ground network. COTS was the key factor in allowing the two-person development team to deploy systems in less than a year, meeting the required launch schedule. The SAFS system his been so successful, it is becoming a NASA standard resource, leading to its nomination for NASA's Software or the Year Award in 1999.

Chronic Pain, Chronic Opioid Addiction: a Complex Nexus.

PubMed

Salsitz, Edwin A

2016-03-01

Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the prescribing of opioids, with associated increases in opioid addiction and overdose deaths. This article reviews the evidence for the effectiveness and risk of developing an opioid use disorder (OUD) in those patients treated with chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). Rates of development of OUD range from 0-50 %, and aberrant drug related behaviors (ADRBs) are reported to be 20 %. Health care providers must properly assess, screen, and carefully monitor patients on COT utilizing evidence-based tools.

Estimating vertical profiles of water-cloud droplet effective radius from SWIR satellite measurements via a statistical model derived from CloudSat observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagao, T. M.; Murakami, H.; Nakajima, T. Y.

2017-12-01

This study proposes an algorithm to estimate vertical profiles of cloud droplet effective radius (CDER-VP) for water clouds from shortwave infrared (SWIR) measurements of Himawari-8/AHI via a statistical model of CDER-VP derived from CloudSat observation. Several similar algorithms in previous studies utilize a spectral radiance matching on the assumption of simultaneous observations of CloudSat and Aqua/MODIS. However, our algorithm does not assume simultaneous observations with CloudSat. First, in advance, a database (DB) of CDER-VP is prepared by the following procedure: TOA radiances at 0.65, 2.3 and 10.4-μm bands of the AHI are simulated using CDER-VP and cloud optical depth vertical profile (COD-VP) contained in the CloudSat 2B-CWC-RVOD and 2B-TAU products. Cloud optical thickness (COT), Column-CDER and cloud top height (CTH) are retrieved from the simulated radiances using a traditional retrieval algorithm with vertically homogeneous cloud model (1-SWIR VHC method). The CDER-VP is added to the DB by using the COT and Column-CDER retrievals as a key of the DB. Then by using principal component (PC) analysis, up to three PC vectors of the CDER-VPs in the DB are extracted. Next, the algorithm retrieves CDER-VP from actual AHI measurements by the following procedure: First, COT, Column-CDER and CTH are retrieved from TOA radiances at 0.65, 2.3 and 10.4-μm bands of the AHI using by 1-SWIR VHC method. Then, the PC vectors of CDER-VP is fetched from the DB using the COT and Column-CDER retrievals as the key of the DB. Finally, using coefficients of the PC vectors of CDER-VP as variables for retrieval, CDER-VP, COT and CTH are retrieved from TOA radiances at 0.65, 1.6, 2.3, 3.9 and 10.4-μm bands of the AHI based on optimal estimation method with iterative radiative transfer calculation. The simulation result showed the CDER-VP retrieval errors were almost smaller than 3 - 4 μm. The CDER retrieval errors at the cloud base were almost larger than the others (e.g. CDER at cloud top), especially when COT and CDER was large. The tendency can be explained by less sensitivities of SWIRs to CDER at cloud base. Additionally, as a case study, this study will attempt to apply the algorithm to the AHI's high-frequency observations, and to interpret the time series of the CDER-VP retrievals in terms of temporal evolution of water clouds.

Software Model Checking Without Source Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chaki, Sagar; Ivers, James

2009-01-01

We present a framework, called AIR, for verifying safety properties of assembly language programs via software model checking. AIR extends the applicability of predicate abstraction and counterexample guided abstraction refinement to the automated verification of low-level software. By working at the assembly level, AIR allows verification of programs for which source code is unavailable-such as legacy and COTS software-and programs that use features-such as pointers, structures, and object-orientation-that are problematic for source-level software verification tools. In addition, AIR makes no assumptions about the underlying compiler technology. We have implemented a prototype of AIR and present encouraging results on several non-trivial examples.

Application of Fault-Tolerant Computing For Spacecraft Using Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Microprocessors

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-06-01

real - time operating system and design of a human-computer interface (HCI) for a triple modular redundant (TMR) fault-tolerant microprocessor for use in space-based applications. Once disadvantage of using COTS hardware components is their susceptibility to the radiation effects present in the space environment. and specifically, radiation-induced single-event upsets (SEUs). In the event of an SEU, a fault-tolerant system can mitigate the effects of the upset and continue to process from the last known correct system state. The TMR basic hardware

Estimating Cloud optical thickness from SEVIRI, for air quality research, by implementing a semi-analytical cloud retrieval algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Praveen; De Ridder, Koen; van Looy, Stijn; van Lipzig, Nicole

2010-05-01

Clouds play an important role in Earth's climate system. As they affect radiation hence photolysis rate coefficients (ozone formation),they also affect the air quality at the surface of the earth. Thus, a satellite remote sensing technique is used to retrieve the cloud properties for air quality research. The geostationary satellite, Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) has onboard, the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI). The channels in the wavelength 0.6 µm and 1.64 µm are used to retrieve cloud optical thickness (COT). The study domain is over Europe covering a region between 35°N-70°N and 5°W-30°E, centred over Belgium. The steps involved in pre-processing the EUMETSAT level 1.5 images are described, which includes, acquisition of digital count number, radiometric conversion using offsets and slopes, estimation of radiance and calculation of reflectance. The Sun-earth-satellite geometry also plays an important role. A semi-analytical cloud retrieval algorithm (Kokhanovsky et al., 2003) is implemented for the estimation of COT. This approach doesn't involve the conventional look-up table approach, hence it makes the retrieval independent of numerical radiative transfer solutions. The semi-analytical algorithm is implemented on a monthly dataset of SEVIRI level 1.5 images. Minimum reflectance in the visible channel, at each pixel, during the month is accounted as the surface albedo of the pixel. Thus, monthly variation of COT over the study domain is prepared. The result so obtained, is compared with the COT products of Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CM SAF). Henceforth, an approach to assimilate the COT for air quality research is presented. Address of corresponding author: Praveen Pandey, VITO- Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Boeretang 200, B 2400, Mol, Belgium E-mail: praveen.pandey@vito.be

NASA Crew Personal Active Dosimeters (CPADs): Leveraging Novel Terrestrial Personal Radiation Monitoring Capabilities for Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leitgab, Martin; Semones, Edward; Lee, Kerry

2016-01-01

The NASA Space Radiation Analysis Group (SRAG) is developing novel Crew Personal Active Dosimeters (CAPDs) for upcoming crewed space exploration missions and beyond. To reduce the resource footprint of the project a COTS dosimeter base is used for the development of CPADs. This base was identified from evaluations of existing COTS personal dosimeters against the concept of operations of future crewed missions and tests against detection requirements for radiation characteristic of the space environment. CPADs exploit operations efficiencies from novel features for space flight personal dosimeters such as real-time dose feedback, and autonomous measuring and data transmission capabilities. Preliminary CPAD design, results of radiation testing and aspects of operational integration will be presented.

Hardness Assurance Techniques for New Generation COTS Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, C. I.; Rax, B. G.; Johnston, A. H.

1996-01-01

Hardness Assurance (HA) techniques and total dose radiation characterization data for new generation linear and COTS devices from various manufacturers are presented. A bipolar op amp showed significant degradation at HDR, not at low dose rate environment. New generation low-power op amps showed more degradation at low voltage applications. HA test techniques for COTS devices are presented in this paper.

Implementation of COTs Hardware in Non-Critical Space Applications: A Brief Tutorial

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoder, Geoffrey L.

2004-01-01

Approaches used for manned applications include limited items such as CD-players evaluated for safety to high criticality applications where the COTs hardware is evaluated on a case-by-case basis for the application and commensurate screening and qualification testing. COTS hardware is successfully implemented in both the International Space Station and Space Shuttle but requires evaluation and modifications for the application. Screening and qualification of COTs hardware used in critical applications may need to be more extensive and stringent than traditional military screening. Evaluation for: a) Suitability for the application; b) Safety; c) Reliability and maintainability; and d) Workmanship.

Within-subject variation of the salivary 3HC/COT ratio in regular daily smokers: prospects for estimating CYP2A6 enzyme activity in large-scale surveys of nicotine metabolic rate.

PubMed

Lea, Rod A; Dickson, Stuart; Benowitz, Neal L

2006-01-01

Nicotine is the major addictive compound in tobacco and is responsible for tobacco dependence. It is primarily metabolized to cotinine (COT) and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (3HC) by the liver enzyme cytochrome P-450 2A6 (CYP2A6). The 3HC/COT ratio measured in the saliva of smokers is highly correlated with the intrinsic hepatic clearance of nicotine and, therefore, may be a useful non-invasive marker of CYP2A6 activity and metabolic rate of nicotine. This study assessed within-subject variation in salivary 3HC/COT ratios in six regular daily smokers. Our data provide evidence that 1. variation in the 3HC/COT ratio is not dependent on the time of sampling during the day (i.e., morning vs. night ) (P > 0.1) and 2. the average within-subject biological variation in the 3HC/COT ratio is approximately 26%. These findings should be useful for designing large-scale population surveys to assess the variation in the metabolic rate of nicotine (via CYP2A6) in smokers.

LPS-induced chemokine expression in both MyD88-dependent and -independent manners is regulated by Cot/Tpl2-ERK axis in macrophages.

PubMed

Bandow, Kenjiro; Kusuyama, Joji; Shamoto, Mitsuo; Kakimoto, Kyoko; Ohnishi, Tomokazu; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya

2012-05-21

LPS signaling is mediated through MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways, activating NF-?B, MAP kinases and IRF3. Cot/Tpl2 is an essential upstream kinase in LPS-mediated activation of ERKs. Here we explore the roles of MyD88 and Cot/Tpl2 in LPS-induced chemokine expression by studying myd88(-/-) and cot/tpl2(-/-) macrophages. Among the nine LPS-responsive chemokines examined, mRNA induction of ccl5, cxcl10, and cxcl13 is mediated through the MyD88-independent pathway. Notably, Cot/Tpl2-ERK signaling axis exerts negative effects on the expression of these three chemokines. In contrast, LPS-induced gene expression of ccl2, ccl7, cxcl2, cxcl3, ccl8, and cxcl9 is mediated in the MyD88-dependent manner. The Cot/Tpl2-ERK axis promotes the expression of the first four and inhibits the expression of the latter two. Thus, LPS induces expression of multiple chemokines through various signaling pathways in macrophages. Copyright © 2012 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Real-time FPGA-based radar imaging for smart mobility systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saponara, Sergio; Neri, Bruno

2016-04-01

The paper presents an X-band FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) Radar Imaging system, called X-FRI, for surveillance in smart mobility applications. X-FRI allows for detecting the presence of targets (e.g. obstacles in a railway crossing or urban road crossing, or ships in a small harbor), as well as their speed and their position. With respect to alternative solutions based on LIDAR or camera systems, X-FRI operates in real-time also in bad lighting and weather conditions, night and day. The radio-frequency transceiver is realized through COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) components on a single-board. An FPGA-based baseband platform allows for real-time Radar image processing.

A study of applications scribe frame data verifications using design rule check

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Shoko; Miyazaki, Masaru; Sakurai, Mitsuo; Itoh, Takahisa; Doi, Kazumasa; Sakurai, Norioko; Okada, Tomoyuki

2013-06-01

In semiconductor manufacturing, scribe frame data generally is generated for each LSI product according to its specific process design. Scribe frame data is designed based on definition tables of scanner alignment, wafer inspection and customers specified marks. We check that scribe frame design is conforming to specification of alignment and inspection marks at the end. Recently, in COT (customer owned tooling) business or new technology development, there is no effective verification method for the scribe frame data, and we take a lot of time to work on verification. Therefore, we tried to establish new verification method of scribe frame data by applying pattern matching and DRC (Design Rule Check) which is used in device verification. We would like to show scheme of the scribe frame data verification using DRC which we tried to apply. First, verification rules are created based on specifications of scanner, inspection and others, and a mark library is also created for pattern matching. Next, DRC verification is performed to scribe frame data. Then the DRC verification includes pattern matching using mark library. As a result, our experiments demonstrated that by use of pattern matching and DRC verification our new method can yield speed improvements of more than 12 percent compared to the conventional mark checks by visual inspection and the inspection time can be reduced to less than 5 percent if multi-CPU processing is used. Our method delivers both short processing time and excellent accuracy when checking many marks. It is easy to maintain and provides an easy way for COT customers to use original marks. We believe that our new DRC verification method for scribe frame data is indispensable and mutually beneficial.

Budget impact model in moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris assessing effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate foam on per-patient standard of care costs.

PubMed

Asche, Carl V; Kim, Minchul; Feldman, Steven R; Zografos, Panagiotis; Lu, Minyi

2017-09-01

To develop a budget impact model (BIM) for estimating the financial impact of formulary adoption and uptake of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate (C/BD) foam (0.005%/0.064%) on the costs of biologics for treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris in a hypothetical US healthcare plan with 1 million members. This BIM incorporated epidemiologic data, market uptake assumptions, and drug utilization costs, simulating the treatment mix for patients who are candidates for biologics before (Scenario #1) and after (Scenario #2) the introduction of C/BD foam. Predicted outcomes were expressed in terms of the annual cost of treatment (COT) and the COT per member per month (PMPM). At year 1, C/BD foam had the lowest per-patient cost ($9,913) necessary to achieve a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)-75 response compared with etanercept ($73,773), adalimumab ($92,871), infliximab ($34,048), ustekinumab ($83,975), secukinumab ($113,858), apremilast ($47,960), and ixekizumab ($62,707). Following addition of C/BD foam to the formulary, the annual COT for moderate-to-severe psoriasis would decrease by $36,112,572 (17.91%, from $201,621,219 to $165,508,647). The COT PMPM is expected to decrease by $3.00 (17.86%, from $16.80 to $13.80). Drug costs were based on Medi-Span reference pricing (January 21, 2016); differences in treatment costs for drug administration, laboratory monitoring, or adverse events were not accounted for. Potentially confounding were the definition of "moderate-to-severe" and the heterogeneous efficacy data. The per-patient cost for PASI-75 response at year 1 was estimated from short-term efficacy data for C/BD foam and apremilast only. The introduction of C/BD foam is expected to decrease the annual COT for moderate-to-severe psoriasis treatable with biologics by $36,112,572 for a hypothetical US healthcare plan with 1 million plan members, and to lower the COT PMPM by $3.00.

Development of COTS ADC SEE Test System for the ATLAS LArCalorimeter Upgrade

DOE PAGES

Hu, Xue -Ye; Chen, Hu -Cheng; Chen, Kai; ...

2014-12-01

Radiation-tolerant, high speed, high density and low power commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are planned to be used in the upgrade to the Liquid Argon (LAr) calorimeter front end (FE) trigger readout electronics. Total ionization dose (TID) and single event effect (SEE) are two important radiation effects which need to be characterized on COTS ADCs. In our initial TID test, Texas Instruments (TI) ADS5272 was identified to be the top performer after screening a total 17 COTS ADCs from different manufacturers with dynamic range and sampling rate meeting the requirements of the FE electronics. Another interesting feature of ADS5272more » is its 6.5 clock cycles latency, which is the shortest among the 17 candidates. Based on the TID performance, we have designed a SEE evaluation system for ADS5272, which allows us to further assess its radiation tolerance. In this paper, we present a detailed design of ADS5272 SEE evaluation system and show the effectiveness of this system while evaluating ADS5272 SEE characteristics in multiple irradiation tests. According to TID and SEE test results, ADS5272 was chosen to be implemented in the full-size LAr Trigger Digitizer Board (LTDB) demonstrator, which will be installed on ATLAS calorimeter during the 2014 Long Shutdown 1 (LS1).« less

NICOTINE METABOLISM IN PREGNANT AND NON-PREGNANT RABBITS

PubMed Central

Tutka, Piotr; Dempsey, Delia A.; Jacob, Peyton; Benowitz, Neal L.; Kroetz, Deanna L.

2010-01-01

Smoking remains a major public health concern during pregnancy and is associated with numerous adverse effects. Recently the clearance of nicotine (NIC) and cotinine (COT) was shown to be substantially increased in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls. The present study investigated the usefulness of the rabbit for studying the molecular basis for the observed changes in NIC and COT disposition during pregnancy. NIC was largely metabolized to COT in rabbit liver microsomes (approximately 50% of total metabolism) with significant amounts of nicotine-N’-oxide and nornicotine also being detected. The conversion of NIC to COT was also detected in rabbit placental and fetal liver microsomes albeit at only a fraction of the rate in adult rabbit liver microsomes. The major products of COT metabolism in rabbit liver microsomes were 5’-hydroxycotinine, cotinine-N’-oxide and norcotinine. Differences between human and rabbit liver were most apparent for COT, with the major human metabolite 3’-hydroxycotinine, being formed at only low levels in rabbit liver microsomes. Pregnancy had no effect on the metabolism of NIC or on the expression of CYP2A6 immunoreactive proteins in rabbit liver microsomes. These studies provide a complete quantitative assessment of NIC metabolism in rabbit liver microsomes and suggest that the rabbit may not be an appropriate animal model to study the effects of pregnancy on NIC and COT metabolism. However, a molecular understanding of these effects is essential for prediction of the pharmacological and toxicological consequences of smoking during pregnancy. PMID:18686186

Cot-nursing versus incubator care for preterm infants.

PubMed

Gray, Peter H; Flenady, Vicki

2011-08-10

Preterm infants are usually nursed in incubators, but cot-nursing may provide an alternative. While there may be benefits of nursing preterm infants in open cots, there may be potential risks such as nosocomial infection caused by more handling due to easier access. To assess effects of cot-nursing versus incubator care on temperature control and weight gain in preterm infants. The standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group was used. This included searches of electronic databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library), Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE, as well as previous reviews including cross references through November 2009. All trials using random or quasi-random patient allocation in which infants receiving care in standard newborn cots were compared to infants managed in a conventional air heated incubator. The authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data for the primary outcomes of temperature control and weight gain. Meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed-effect model. Eleven potential studies were identified of which five, involving 247 infants, were included in this review. When compared to incubator care, cot-nursing resulted in no significant difference in mean body temperature (MD 0.02 degrees C; 95% CI -0.02 to 0.07, four trials), though the one trial that reported on episodes of hyperthermia found this to be statistically more common in the cot-nursing group (RR 1.48; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.09). There were no statistically significant differences in weight gain. In the cot-nursing group, fewer infants were breast fed on discharge (typical RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.14, three trials, 150 infants) and fewer infants died prior to hospital discharge (typical RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.25, four trials, 235 infants) but these results failed to reach statistical significance. The comparison of cot-nursing using a heated water-filled mattress versus incubator care, which included five trials and a total of 231 infants, produced similar results. Cot-nursing with warming of the nursery resulted in statistically significantly smaller weight gain during week one compared to the incubator group in one trial that involved 38 infants (MD -5.90 g/kg/day; 95% CI -11.13 to -0.67) but no significant difference was found for weeks two and three. Cot-nursing using a heated water-filled mattress has similar effects to incubator care with regard to temperature control and weight gain. Important clinical outcomes need to be investigated further using randomised controlled trials. This is especially the case in the situation of developing countries, where differences in these outcomes are likely to be encountered. As limited data is available on cot-nursing using a space-heated room, this method is not recommended as practice.

Two-panel LCOS-based projection system: a potentially compact high-resolution avionics display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharp, Gary D.; Chen, Jianmin; Robinson, Michael B.; Korah, John K.

2003-09-01

Military displays have been limited first by the availability of CRT and then AMLCD for color multifunctional displays. Projection display technology has been offered as an alternative. With the growth of the LCOS based consumer projection display industry, commercially off the shelf (COTS) components and technology are becoming readily available. A projection display system addresses the lessons learned from the CRT or AMLCD based attempts. This approach presents multiple vendors and user defined aspect ratio, resolution, brightness and color. This paper will present the latest work at ColorLink, Inc. on a two-panel LCOS based projection light engine developed for the consumer industry driven Rear Projection Television (RPTV) market. This engine demonstrates throughput, contrast and color performance that exceeds military requirements using COTS technology and components. We will introduce the core technology and philosophy followed by this industry in defining such a product.

A Methodology and Implementation for Annotating Digital Images for Context-appropriate Use in an Academic Health Care Environment

PubMed Central

Goede, Patricia A.; Lauman, Jason R.; Cochella, Christopher; Katzman, Gregory L.; Morton, David A.; Albertine, Kurt H.

2004-01-01

Use of digital medical images has become common over the last several years, coincident with the release of inexpensive, mega-pixel quality digital cameras and the transition to digital radiology operation by hospitals. One problem that clinicians, medical educators, and basic scientists encounter when handling images is the difficulty of using business and graphic arts commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software in multicontext authoring and interactive teaching environments. The authors investigated and developed software-supported methodologies to help clinicians, medical educators, and basic scientists become more efficient and effective in their digital imaging environments. The software that the authors developed provides the ability to annotate images based on a multispecialty methodology for annotation and visual knowledge representation. This annotation methodology is designed by consensus, with contributions from the authors and physicians, medical educators, and basic scientists in the Departments of Radiology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Dermatology, and Ophthalmology at the University of Utah. The annotation methodology functions as a foundation for creating, using, reusing, and extending dynamic annotations in a context-appropriate, interactive digital environment. The annotation methodology supports the authoring process as well as output and presentation mechanisms. The annotation methodology is the foundation for a Windows implementation that allows annotated elements to be represented as structured eXtensible Markup Language and stored separate from the image(s). PMID:14527971

Retrieval of radiative and microphysical properties of clouds from multispectral infrared measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwabuchi, Hironobu; Saito, Masanori; Tokoro, Yuka; Putri, Nurfiena Sagita; Sekiguchi, Miho

2016-12-01

Satellite remote sensing of the macroscopic, microphysical, and optical properties of clouds are useful for studying spatial and temporal variations of clouds at various scales and constraining cloud physical processes in climate and weather prediction models. Instead of using separate independent algorithms for different cloud properties, a unified, optimal estimation-based cloud retrieval algorithm is developed and applied to moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations using ten thermal infrared bands. The model considers sensor configurations, background surface and atmospheric profile, and microphysical and optical models of ice and liquid cloud particles and radiative transfer in a plane-parallel, multilayered atmosphere. Measurement and model errors are thoroughly quantified from direct comparisons of clear-sky observations over the ocean with model calculations. Performance tests by retrieval simulations show that ice cloud properties are retrieved with high accuracy when cloud optical thickness (COT) is between 0.1 and 10. Cloud-top pressure is inferred with uncertainty lower than 10 % when COT is larger than 0.3. Applying the method to a tropical cloud system and comparing the results with the MODIS Collection 6 cloud product shows good agreement for ice cloud optical thickness when COT is less than about 5. Cloud-top height agrees well with estimates obtained by the CO2 slicing method used in the MODIS product. The present algorithm can detect optically thin parts at the edges of high clouds well in comparison with the MODIS product, in which these parts are recognized as low clouds by the infrared window method. The cloud thermodynamic phase in the present algorithm is constrained by cloud-top temperature, which tends not to produce results with an ice cloud that is too warm and liquid cloud that is too cold.

Real-time synchronized multiple-sensor IR/EO scene generation utilizing the SGI Onyx2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makar, Robert J.; O'Toole, Brian E.

1998-07-01

An approach to utilize the symmetric multiprocessing environment of the Silicon Graphics Inc.R (SGI) Onyx2TM has been developed to support the generation of IR/EO scenes in real-time. This development, supported by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWC/AD), focuses on high frame rate hardware-in-the-loop testing of multiple sensor avionics systems. In the past, real-time IR/EO scene generators have been developed as custom architectures that were often expensive and difficult to maintain. Previous COTS scene generation systems, designed and optimized for visual simulation, could not be adapted for accurate IR/EO sensor stimulation. The new Onyx2 connection mesh architecture made it possible to develop a more economical system while maintaining the fidelity needed to stimulate actual sensors. An SGI based Real-time IR/EO Scene Simulator (RISS) system was developed to utilize the Onyx2's fast multiprocessing hardware to perform real-time IR/EO scene radiance calculations. During real-time scene simulation, the multiprocessors are used to update polygon vertex locations and compute radiometrically accurate floating point radiance values. The output of this process can be utilized to drive a variety of scene rendering engines. Recent advancements in COTS graphics systems, such as the Silicon Graphics InfiniteRealityR make a total COTS solution possible for some classes of sensors. This paper will discuss the critical technologies that apply to infrared scene generation and hardware-in-the-loop testing using SGI compatible hardware. Specifically, the application of RISS high-fidelity real-time radiance algorithms on the SGI Onyx2's multiprocessing hardware will be discussed. Also, issues relating to external real-time control of multiple synchronized scene generation channels will be addressed.

Preparation of AN Electrode Modified with a Thermostable Enzyme BACILLUS Subtilis COTA by Electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Toshio; Yamada, Yohei; Motonaka, Junko; Yabutani, Tomoki; Sakuraba, Haruhiko; Yasuzawa, Mikito

In this study, electrodeposition of thermostable enzyme Bacillus subtilis CotA, which is a laccase and has a bilirubin oxidase (BOD) activity, was investigated. The electrodeposition was operated in a mixture of Bacillus subtilis CotA in the PBS (pH 8.0) and TritonX-100 under applying potential (1100 mV vs. Ag/AgCl for 5 min.). The current response was measured by linear sweep voltammetry technique (LSV). The thermostable enzyme Bacillus subtilis CotA electrodeposited electrode was compared with a mesophile BOD electrodeposited electrode. As a result, the Bacillus subtilis CotA modified electrode showed better sensitivity and long-term stability than the mesophile BOD modified electrode.

The continent-ocean transition at the mid-northern margin of the South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jinwei; Wu, Shiguo; McIntosh, Kirk; Mi, Lijun; Yao, Bochu; Chen, Zeman; Jia, Liankai

2015-07-01

The northern margin of the South China Sea (SCS) has particular structural and stratigraphic characteristics that are somewhat different from those described in typical passive margin models. The differences are attributable to poly-phase tectonic movements and magmatic activity resulting from the interaction among the Eurasian, Philippine Sea and Indo-Australian plates. Based on several crustal-scale multi-channel seismic reflection profiles and satellite gravity data across the northern SCS margin, this paper analyzes the structures, volcanoes and deep crust of the continent-ocean transition zone (COT) at the mid-northern margin of the SCS to study the patterns and model of extension there. The results indicate that the COT is limited landward by basin-bounding faults near Baiyun sag and is bounded by seaward-dipping normal faults near the oceanic basin in our seismic lines. The shallow anatomy of the COT is characterized by rift depression, structural highs with igneous rock and/or a volcanic zone or a zone of tilted fault blocks at the distal edge. Gravity modeling revealed that a high velocity layer (HVL) with a 0.8-6-km thickness is frequently present in the slope below the lower crust. Our study shows that the HVL is only located in the eastern portion of the northern SCS margin based on the available geophysical data. We infer from this that the presence of an HVL is not required in the COT at the northern SCS margin. The magmatic intrusions and HVL may be related to partial melting caused by the decompression of a passive, upwelling asthenosphere, which resulted primarily in post-rifting underplating and magmatic emplacement or modification of the crust. Based on this study, we propose that an intermediate mode of rifting was active in the mid-northern margin of the SCS with characteristics that are closer to those of the magma-poor margins than those of volcanic margins.

Stable CoT-1 repeat RNA is abundant and associated with euchromatic interphase chromosomes

PubMed Central

Hall, Lisa L.; Carone, Dawn M.; Gomez, Alvin; Kolpa, Heather J.; Byron, Meg; Mehta, Nitish; Fackelmayer, Frank O.; Lawrence, Jeanne B.

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Recent studies recognize a vast diversity of non-coding RNAs with largely unknown functions, but few have examined interspersed repeat sequences, which constitute almost half our genome. RNA hybridization in situ using CoT-1 (highly repeated) DNA probes detects surprisingly abundant euchromatin-associated RNA comprised predominantly of repeat sequences (“CoT-1 RNA”), including LINE-1. CoT-1-hybridizing RNA strictly localizes to the interphase chromosome territory in cis, and remains stably associated with the chromosome territory following prolonged transcriptional inhibition. The CoT-1 RNA territory resists mechanical disruption and fractionates with the non-chromatin scaffold, but can be experimentally released. Loss of repeat-rich, stable nuclear RNAs from euchromatin corresponds to aberrant chromatin distribution and condensation. CoT-1 RNA has several properties similar to XIST chromosomal RNA, but is excluded from chromatin condensed by XIST. These findings impact two “black boxes” of genome science: the poorly understood diversity of non-coding RNA and the unexplained abundance of repetitive elements. PMID:24581492

A USNRC perspective on the use of commercial-off-shelf software (COTS) in advanced reactors

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

Stewart, J.C.

1997-12-01

The use of commercially available digital computer systems and components in safety critical systems (nuclear power plant, military, and commercial applications) is increasing rapidly. While this paper focuses on the software aspects of the application most of these continents are applicable to the hardware aspects as well. Commercial dedication (the process of assuring that a commercial grade item will perform its intended safety function) has demonstrated benefits in cost savings and a wide base of user experience, however, care must be taken to avoid difficulties with some aspects of the dedication process such as access to vendor development information, configurationmore » management long term support, and system integration.« less

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden delivers remarks before a panel discussion on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, delivers remarks panel discussion on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

Magnetic blocking at 10 K and a dipolar-mediated avalanche in salts of the bis(η8-cyclooctatetraenide) complex [Er(COT)2]-.

PubMed

Meihaus, Katie R; Long, Jeffrey R

2013-11-27

The structures and magnetic properties of [K(18-crown-6)](+) (1) and [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2](+) (2) salts of the η(8)-cyclooctatetraenide sandwich complex [Er(COT)2](-) (COT(2-) = cyclooctatetraene dianion) are reported. Despite slight differences in symmetry, both compounds exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under zero applied dc field with relaxation barriers of ∼150 cm(-1) and waist-restricted magnetic hysteresis. Dc relaxation and dilution studies suggest that the drop in the magnetic hysteresis near zero field is influenced by a bulk magnetic avalanche effect coupled with tunneling of the magnetization. Through dilution with [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][Y(COT)2] (3), these phenomena are substantially quenched, resulting in an open hysteresis loop to 10 K. Importantly, this represents the highest blocking temperature yet observed for a mononuclear complex and the second highest for any single-molecule magnet. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the magnetism of [K(18-crown-6)][Ln(COT)2] (Ln = Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb) reveals slow relaxation only for [K(18-crown-6)][Dy(COT)2] (4) with weak temperature dependence. Collectively, these results highlight the utility of an equatorial ligand field for facilitating slow magnetic relaxation in the prolate Er(III) ion.

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

Prescott, Ryan; Marger, Bernard L.; Chiu, Ailsa

During the second iteration of the US NDC Modernization Elaboration phase (E2), the SNL US NDC Modernization project team completed follow-on COTS surveys & exploratory prototyping related to the Object Storage & Distribution (OSD) mechanism, and the processing control software infrastructure. This report summarizes the E2 prototyping work.

Signal transduction mechanisms of K+-Cl- cotransport regulation and relationship to disease.

PubMed

Adragna, N C; Ferrell, C M; Zhang, J; Di Fulvio, M; Temprana, C F; Sharma, A; Fyffe, R E W; Cool, D R; Lauf, P K

2006-01-01

The K+-Cl- cotransport (COT) regulatory pathways recently uncovered in our laboratory and their implication in disease state are reviewed. Three mechanisms of K+-Cl- COT regulation can be identified in vascular cells: (1) the Li+-sensitive pathway, (2) the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-sensitive pathway and (3) the nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathway. Ion fluxes, Western blotting, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used. Li+, used in the treatment of manic depression, stimulates volume-sensitive K+-Cl- COT of low K+ sheep red blood cells at cellular concentrations <1 mM and inhibits at >3 mM, causes cell swelling, and appears to regulate K+-Cl- COT through a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. PDGF, a potent serum mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), regulates membrane transport and is involved in atherosclerosis. PDGF stimulates VSM K+-Cl- COT in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, both acutely and chronically, through the PDGF receptor. The acute effect occurs at the post-translational level whereas the chronic effect may involve regulation through gene expression. Regulation by PDGF involves the signalling molecules phosphoinositides 3-kinase and protein phosphatase-1. Finally, the NO/cGMP/protein kinase G pathway, involved in vasodilation and hence cardiovascular disease, regulates K+-Cl- COT in VSMCs at the mRNA expression and transport levels. A complex and diverse array of mechanisms and effectors regulate K+-Cl- COT and thus cell volume homeostasis, setting the stage for abnormalities at the genetic and/or regulatory level thus effecting or being affected by various pathological conditions.

The Crystal Structure of Cancer Osaka Thyroid Kinase Reveals an Unexpected Kinase Domain Fold*

PubMed Central

Gutmann, Sascha; Hinniger, Alexandra; Fendrich, Gabriele; Drückes, Peter; Antz, Sylvie; Mattes, Henri; Möbitz, Henrik; Ofner, Silvio; Schmiedeberg, Niko; Stojanovic, Aleksandar; Rieffel, Sebastien; Strauss, André; Troxler, Thomas; Glatthar, Ralf; Sparrer, Helmut

2015-01-01

Macrophages are important cellular effectors in innate immune responses and play a major role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Cancer Osaka thyroid (COT) kinase, also known as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8) and tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl-2), is a serine-threonine (ST) kinase and is a key regulator in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Due to its pivotal role in immune biology, COT kinase has been identified as an attractive target for pharmaceutical research that is directed at the discovery of orally available, selective, and potent inhibitors for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and cancer. The production of monomeric, recombinant COT kinase has proven to be very difficult, and issues with solubility and stability of the enzyme have hampered the discovery and optimization of potent and selective inhibitors. We developed a protocol for the production of recombinant human COT kinase that yields pure and highly active enzyme in sufficient yields for biochemical and structural studies. The quality of the enzyme allowed us to establish a robust in vitro phosphorylation assay for the efficient biochemical characterization of COT kinase inhibitors and to determine the x-ray co-crystal structures of the COT kinase domain in complex with two ATP-binding site inhibitors. The structures presented in this study reveal two distinct ligand binding modes and a unique kinase domain architecture that has not been observed previously. The structurally versatile active site significantly impacts the design of potent, low molecular weight COT kinase inhibitors. PMID:25918157

Certification of COTS Software in NASA Human Rated Flight Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goforth, Andre

2012-01-01

Adoption of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products in safety critical systems has been seen as a promising acquisition strategy to improve mission affordability and, yet, has come with significant barriers and challenges. Attempts to integrate COTS software components into NASA human rated flight systems have been, for the most part, complicated by verification and validation (V&V) requirements necessary for flight certification per NASA s own standards. For software that is from COTS sources, and, in general from 3rd party sources, either commercial, government, modified or open source, the expectation is that it meets the same certification criteria as those used for in-house and that it does so as if it were built in-house. The latter is a critical and hidden issue. This paper examines the longstanding barriers and challenges in the use of 3rd party software in safety critical systems and cover recent efforts to use COTS software in NASA s Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) project. It identifies some core artifacts that without them, the use of COTS and 3rd party software is, for all practical purposes, a nonstarter for affordable and timely insertion into flight critical systems. The paper covers the first use in a flight critical system by NASA of COTS software that has prior FAA certification heritage, which was shown to meet the RTCA-DO-178B standard, and how this certification may, in some cases, be leveraged to allow the use of analysis in lieu of testing. Finally, the paper proposes the establishment of an open source forum for development of safety critical 3rd party software.

A survey of COTS wireless transceiver solutions for unmanned/unattended homeland defense systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wurth, Timothy J.; Wells, Jeffrey S.; Trimble, Michael L.

2004-08-01

As the war on terrorism continues abroad, the need to maintain security at home remains a major concern. Every aspect of the security effort can benefit from rapid information transfer. Advances in Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) radios make them valuable in applications ranging from deployed sensors on unsecured borders, to organizing an emergency response team. Additionally, the reduced cost and availability of these transceivers make them a viable alternative to custom developments. As an example, COTS radios can serve as the communication element in Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) and munitions systems. Other applications include networked sonobuoys and networked RFID tracking. An additional advantage of COTS solutions is that they are available in a small form factor. They have extremely small mechanical outlines and are easily installed in systems requiring miniature designs and light payloads such as man-pack emplaced radios for the Army"s Future Combat System (FCS), as well as missions carried out by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). The availability of the COTS radios result in a low-cost alternative for communication links that are applicable to military and Homeland Defense projects. They provide an easily obtainable, low-cost radio alternative enabling quick design cycles to meet mission timeliness. COTS solutions eliminate months from a typical design cycle and have many features already implemented such as ad-hoc routing and encryption. This enables robust hardware to be fielded quickly when a new need arises. The focus of this paper is to identify different COTS modules that can efficiently and cost effectively be applied to these and other various applications.

Chronic opioid therapy risk reduction initiative: impact on urine drug testing rates and results.

PubMed

Turner, Judith A; Saunders, Kathleen; Shortreed, Susan M; Rapp, Suzanne E; Thielke, Stephen; LeResche, Linda; Riddell, Kim M; Von Korff, Michael

2014-02-01

In response to epidemic levels of prescription opioid overdose, abuse, and diversion, routine urine drug tests (UDTs) are recommended for patients receiving chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic pain. However, UDT ordering for COT patients is inconsistent in primary care, and little is known about how to increase UDT ordering or the impact of increased testing on rates of aberrant results. To compare rates and results of UDTs for COT patients before versus after implementation of an opioid risk reduction initiative in a large healthcare system. Pre-post observational study. Group Health patients on COT October 2008-September 2009 (N = 4,821), October 2009-September 2010 (N = 5,081), and October 2010-September 2011 (N = 5,498). Multi-faceted opioid risk reduction initiative. Annual rates of UDTs and UDT results. Half of COT patients received at least one UDT in the year after the initiative was implemented, compared to only 7 % 2 years prior. The adjusted odds of COT patients having at least one UDT in the first year of the opioid initiative were almost 16 times (adjusted OR = 15.79; 95 % CI: 13.96-17.87) those 2 years prior. The annual rate of UDT detection of marijuana and illicit drugs did not change (12.6 % after initiative implementation), and largely reflected marijuana use (detected in 11.1 % of all UDTs in the year after initiative implementation). In the year after initiative implementation, 10.7 % of UDTs were negative for opioids. The initiative appeared to dramatically increase urine drug testing of COT patients in the healthcare system without impacting rates of aberrant results. The large majority of aberrant results reflected marijuana use or absence of opioids in the urine. The utility of increased urine drug testing for COT patient safety and prevention of diversion remains uncertain.

COTS Silicon diodes as radiation detectors in proton and heavy charged particle radiotherapy 1.

PubMed

Kaiser, Franz-Joachim; Bassler, Niels; Jäkel, Oliver

2010-08-01

Modern radiotherapy facilities for cancer treatment such as the Heavy Ion Therapy Center (HIT) in Heidelberg, Germany, allow for sub-millimeter precision in dose deposition. For measurement of such dose distributions and characterization of the particle beams, detectors with high spatial resolution are necessary. Here, a detector based on the commercially available COTS photodiode (BPW-34) is presented. When applied in hadronic beams of protons and carbon ions, the detector reproduces dose distribution well, but its response decreases rapidly by radiation damage. However, for MeV photon beams, the detector exhibits a similar behavior as found in diode detectors usually applied in radiotherapy.

Design of an Eye Limiting Resolution Visual System Using Commercial-Off-the-Shelf Equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sweet, Barbara T.; Giovannetti, Dean P.

2008-01-01

A feasibility study was conducted to determine if a flight simulator with an eye-limiting resolution out-the-window (OTW) visual system could be built using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology and used to evaluate the visual performance of Air Force pilots in an operations context. Results of this study demonstrate that an eye limiting OTW visual system can be built using COTS technology. Further, a series of operationally-based tasks linked to clinical vision tests can be used within the synthetic environment to demonstrate a correlation and quantify the level of correlation between vision and operational aviation performance.

Design Considerations for Miniaturized Control Moment Gyroscopes for Rapid Retargeting and Precision Pointing of Small Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patankar, Kunal; Fitz-Coy, Norman; Roithmayr, Carlos M.

2014-01-01

This paper presents the design as well as characterization of a practical control moment gyroscope (CMG) based attitude control system (ACS) for small satellites in the 15-20 kilogram mass range performing rapid retargeting and precision pointing maneuvers. The paper focuses on the approach taken in the design of miniaturized CMGs while considering the constraints imposed by the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components as well as the size of the satellite. It is shown that a hybrid mode is more suitable for COTS based moment exchange actuators; a mode that uses the torque amplification of CMGs for rapid retargeting and direct torque capabilities of the flywheel motors for precision pointing. A simulation is provided to demonstrate on-orbit slew and pointing performance.

An Overview of Computer-Based Natural Language Processing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gevarter, William B.

Computer-based Natural Language Processing (NLP) is the key to enabling humans and their computer-based creations to interact with machines using natural languages (English, Japanese, German, etc.) rather than formal computer languages. NLP is a major research area in the fields of artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. Commercial…

Dynamic Approaches to Language Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Srinivasan, Narayanan

2007-01-01

Symbolic rule-based approaches have been a preferred way to study language and cognition. Dissatisfaction with rule-based approaches in the 1980s lead to alternative approaches to study language, the most notable being the dynamic approaches to language processing. Dynamic approaches provide a significant alternative by not being rule-based and…

US NDC Modernization Iteration E1 Prototyping Report: Processing Control Framework

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

Prescott, Ryan; Hamlet, Benjamin R.

2014-12-01

During the first iteration of the US NDC Modernization Elaboration phase (E1), the SNL US NDC modernization project team developed an initial survey of applicable COTS solutions, and established exploratory prototyping related to the processing control framework in support of system architecture definition. This report summarizes these activities and discusses planned follow-on work.

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

Alan Lindenmoyer, Manager of Commercial Crew and Cargo Program at NASA, delivers remarks panel discussion on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

Phil McAlister, Director of Commercial Spaceflight Development at NASA, delivers remarks panel discussion on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

Frank Slazer, Vice President of Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association, delivers remarks panel discussion on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

Fault-Tolerant, Radiation-Hard DSP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Czajkowski, David

2011-01-01

Commercial digital signal processors (DSPs) for use in high-speed satellite computers are challenged by the damaging effects of space radiation, mainly single event upsets (SEUs) and single event functional interrupts (SEFIs). Innovations have been developed for mitigating the effects of SEUs and SEFIs, enabling the use of very-highspeed commercial DSPs with improved SEU tolerances. Time-triple modular redundancy (TTMR) is a method of applying traditional triple modular redundancy on a single processor, exploiting the VLIW (very long instruction word) class of parallel processors. TTMR improves SEU rates substantially. SEFIs are solved by a SEFI-hardened core circuit, external to the microprocessor. It monitors the health of the processor, and if a SEFI occurs, forces the processor to return to performance through a series of escalating events. TTMR and hardened-core solutions were developed for both DSPs and reconfigurable field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This includes advancement of TTMR algorithms for DSPs and reconfigurable FPGAs, plus a rad-hard, hardened-core integrated circuit that services both the DSP and FPGA. Additionally, a combined DSP and FPGA board architecture was fully developed into a rad-hard engineering product. This technology enables use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) DSPs in computers for satellite and other space applications, allowing rapid deployment at a much lower cost. Traditional rad-hard space computers are very expensive and typically have long lead times. These computers are either based on traditional rad-hard processors, which have extremely low computational performance, or triple modular redundant (TMR) FPGA arrays, which suffer from power and complexity issues. Even more frustrating is that the TMR arrays of FPGAs require a fixed, external rad-hard voting element, thereby causing them to lose much of their reconfiguration capability and in some cases significant speed reduction. The benefits of COTS high-performance signal processing include significant increase in onboard science data processing, enabling orders of magnitude reduction in required communication bandwidth for science data return, orders of magnitude improvement in onboard mission planning and critical decision making, and the ability to rapidly respond to changing mission environments, thus enabling opportunistic science and orders of magnitude reduction in the cost of mission operations through reduction of required staff. Additional benefits of COTS-based, high-performance signal processing include the ability to leverage considerable commercial and academic investments in advanced computing tools, techniques, and infra structure, and the familiarity of the science and IT community with these computing environments.

Hardware Development Process for Human Research Facility Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, Liz

2000-01-01

The simple goal of the Human Research Facility (HRF) is to conduct human research experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) astronauts during long-duration missions. This is accomplished by providing integration and operation of the necessary hardware and software capabilities. A typical hardware development flow consists of five stages: functional inputs and requirements definition, market research, design life cycle through hardware delivery, crew training, and mission support. The purpose of this presentation is to guide the audience through the early hardware development process: requirement definition through selecting a development path. Specific HRF equipment is used to illustrate the hardware development paths. The source of hardware requirements is the science community and HRF program. The HRF Science Working Group, consisting of SCientists from various medical disciplines, defined a basic set of equipment with functional requirements. This established the performance requirements of the hardware. HRF program requirements focus on making the hardware safe and operational in a space environment. This includes structural, thermal, human factors, and material requirements. Science and HRF program requirements are defined in a hardware requirements document which includes verification methods. Once the hardware is fabricated, requirements are verified by inspection, test, analysis, or demonstration. All data is compiled and reviewed to certify the hardware for flight. Obviously, the basis for all hardware development activities is requirement definition. Full and complete requirement definition is ideal prior to initiating the hardware development. However, this is generally not the case, but the hardware team typically has functional inputs as a guide. The first step is for engineers to conduct market research based on the functional inputs provided by scientists. CommerCially available products are evaluated against the science requirements as well as modifications needed to meet program requirements. Options are consolidated and the hardware development team reaches a hardware development decision point. Within budget and schedule constraints, the team must decide whether or not to complete the hardware as an in-house, subcontract with vendor, or commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) development. An in-house development indicates NASA personnel or a contractor builds the hardware at a NASA site. A subcontract development is completed off-site by a commercial company. A COTS item is a vendor product available by ordering a specific part number. The team evaluates the pros and cons of each development path. For example, in-bouse developments utilize existing corporate knowledge regarding bow to build equipment for use in space. However, technical expertise would be required to fully understand the medical equipment capabilities, such as for an ultrasound system. It may require additional time and funding to gain the expertise that commercially exists. The major benefit of subcontracting a hardware development is the product is delivered as an end-item and commercial expertise is utilized. On the other hand, NASA has limited control over schedule delays. The final option of COTS or modified COTS equipment is a compromise between in-house and subcontracts. A vendor product may exist that meets all functional requirements but req uires in-house modifications for successful operation in a space environment. The HRF utilizes equipment developed using all of the paths described: inhouse, subcontract, and modified COTS.

Chronic pre-operative opioid use is a risk factor for increased complications, resource use and costs after cervical fusion.

PubMed

Jain, Nikhil; Brock, John L; Phillips, Frank M; Weaver, Tristan; Khan, Safdar N

2018-04-27

As healthcare transitions to value-based models, there has been an increased focus on patient factors that can influence peri- and post-operative adverse events, resource use, and costs. Many studies have reported risk factors for systemic complications after cervical fusion, but none have studied chronic opioid therapy (COT) as a risk factor. To answer the following questions from a large cohort of patients who underwent primary cervical fusion for degenerative pathology: (1) What is the patient profile associated with pre-operative COT? (2) Is pre-operative COT a risk factor for 90-day systemic complications, emergency department (ED) visits, readmission, and one-year adverse events? (3) What are the risk factors and one-year adverse events related to long-term post-operative opioid use? and (4) How much did payers reimburse for management of complications and adverse events? Retrospective review of Humana commercial insurance data (2007-Q3 2015). 29,101 patients undergoing primary cervical fusion for degenerative pathology. Patients and procedures of interest were included using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding. Patients with opioid prescriptions for >6 months before surgery were considered as having pre-operative COT. Patients with continued opioid use till one-year after surgery were considered as long-term users. Descriptive analysis of patient cohorts has been done. Multiple-variable logistic regression analyses adjusting for approach, number of levels of surgery, discharge disposition, and comorbidities were done to answer first three study questions. Reimbursement data from insurers has been reported to answer our fourth study question. Of the entire cohort, 6,643 (22.8%) had pre-operative COT. Pre-operative COT was associated with a higher risk of 90-day wound complications (OR 1.39, 95% CI:1.16-1.66), all-cause 90-day ED visits (adjusted OR 1.22, 95% CI:1.13-1.32), and pain-related ED visits (adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI:1.24-1.55). Patients who had pre-operative COT were more likely to receive epidural and/or facet joint injections within one-year after surgery (adjusted OR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.47-1.92). These patients were also more likely to undergo a repeat cervical fusion within a year as compared to patients who did not have pre-operative COT (adjusted OR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.43). Pre-operative COT had a higher likelihood of long-term use after surgery (adjusted OR 4.72, 95% CI:4.41-5.06). Long-term opioid use after surgery was associated with a higher risk of new-onset constipation (adjusted OR 1.34, 95% CI:1.22-1.48). The risk of complications and adverse events was not found to be significant in patients with < 3-months pre-operative opioid use or those who stopped opioids for at-least 6-weeks before surgery. The cost of additional resource use for medications, ED visits, constipation, injections and revision fusion ranged from $623-$27,360 per patient. Pre-operative opioid use among cervical fusion patients increases complication rates, post-operative opioid usage, healthcare resource utilization and costs. These risks may be reduced by restricting the duration of pre-operative opioid use or weaning off before surgery. Better understanding and management of pain in the pre-operative period with judicious use of opioids is critical to enhance outcomes after cervical fusion surgery. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exploration of COTS Ultrasonic NDE Methods for ISS MMOD Impact Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Violette, Daniel P.; Koshti, Ajay; Stanley, David

2012-01-01

The high orbital speed of the International Space Station (ISS) has created a concern about Micro-Meteorite and Orbital Debris (MMOD). The possibility exists that such an impact could cause significant damage to the ISS pressure wall, and possibly lead to a pressure leak. This paper explores the potential of using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques in order to inspect and analyze MMOD impact damage if such an event would happen to occur. Different types of intra vehicular activity (IVA) Ultrasonic NDE equipment were evaluated, including the Olympus Omniscan MX and the General Electric Phasor XS. The equipment was tested by inspecting various aluminum standards and impact damage test plates in order to determine technological limitations of the equipment as well as the ease of use and availability of features. This study allowed for the design of scanning procedures in order to evaluate the extent of damage caused by an MMOD impact. Lastly, comparisons were drawn between the different pieces of COTS software and a recommendation is made based on each device s capability.

A COTS-Style Acquisition Strategy for Human Exploration Beyond LEO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arney, Dale; Earle, Kevin; Klovstad, Jordan; Jones, Christopher

2016-01-01

The Evolvable Mars Campaign presents a long term strategy for NASA's Journey to Mars within a capability driven framework. By comparing each element to a set of criteria, this paper reviews the potential of acquiring those capabilities using a strategy similar to the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. The paper presents the criteria, assesses the elements against those criteria, and then discusses the suitability of each element to being developed using this acquisition strategy. Throughout the campaign, certain capabilities are well suited to being developed in this manner while others are not. This assessment is a snapshot in time, and should be revisited as the campaign and/or commercial capabilities change. This paper will explore each of these elements in the campaign and discuss how the COTS development andacquisition strategy could or could not be applied to those elements. This assessment will be based on theservices or functionality required in the campaign, and will use the best practices discussed above to create acase for or against a COTS-style acquisition strategy for each given element.

Signal Acquisition Using AXIe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narciso, Steven J.

2011-08-01

An emerging test and measurement standard called AXIe, AdvancedTCA extensions for Instrumentation, is expected to find wide acceptance within the Physics community as it offers many benefits to applications including shock, plasma, particle and nuclear physics. It is expected that many COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) signal conditioning, acquisition and processing modules will become available from a range of different suppliers. AXIe uses AdvancedTCA® as its basis, but then levers test and measurement industry standards such as PXI, IVI, and LXI to facilitate cooperation and plug-and-play interoperability between COTS instrument suppliers. AXIe's large board footprint and power allows high density in a 19" rack, enabling the development of high-performance signal conditioning, analog-to-digital conversion, and data processing, while offering channel count scalability inherent in modular systems. Synchronization between modules is flexible and provided by two triggering structures: a parallel trigger bus, and radially-distributed, time-matched point-to-point trigger lines. Inter-module communication is also provided with an adjacent module local bus allowing data transfer to 600 Gbits/s in each direction, for example between a front-end digitizer and DSP. AXIe allows embedding high performance computing and a range of COTS AdvancedTCA® computer blades are currently available that provide low cost alternatives to the development of custom signal processing modules. The availability of both LAN and PCI Express allow interconnection between modules, as well as industry-standard high-performance data paths to external host computer systems. AXIe delivers a powerful environment for custom module devel opment. As in the case of VXIbus and PXI before it, commercial development kits are expected to be available. This paper will give an overview of the architectural elements of AXIe 1.0, the compatibility model with AdvancedTCA, and signal acquisition performance of many of the AXIe structures.

Computers for Manned Space Applications Base on Commercial Off-the-Shelf Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogel, T.; Gronowski, M.

2009-05-01

Similar to the consumer markets there has been an ever increasing demand in processing power, signal processing capabilities and memory space also for computers used for science data processing in space. An important driver of this development have been the payload developers for the International Space Station, requesting high-speed data acquisition and fast control loops in increasingly complex systems. Current experiments now even perform video processing and compression with their payload controllers. Nowadays the requirements for a space qualified computer are often far beyond the capabilities of, for example, the classic SPARC architecture that is found in ERC32 or LEON CPUs. An increase in performance usually demands costly and power consuming application specific solutions. Continuous developments over the last few years have now led to an alternative approach that is based on complete electronics modules manufactured for commercial and industrial customers. Computer modules used in industrial environments with a high demand for reliability under harsh environmental conditions like chemical reactors, electrical power plants or on manufacturing lines are entered into a selection procedure. Promising candidates then undergo a detailed characterisation process developed by Astrium Space Transportation. After thorough analysis and some modifications, these modules can replace fully qualified custom built electronics in specific, although not safety critical applications in manned space. This paper focuses on the benefits of COTS1 based electronics modules and the necessary analyses and modifications for their utilisation in manned space applications on the ISS. Some considerations regarding overall systems architecture will also be included. Furthermore this paper will also pinpoint issues that render such modules unsuitable for specific tasks, and justify the reasons. Finally, the conclusion of this paper will advocate the implementation of COTS based electronics for a range of applications within specifically adapted systems. The findings in this paper are extrapolated from two reference computer systems, both having been launched in 2008. One of those was a LEON-2 based computer installed onboard the Columbus Orbital Facility while the other system consisted mainly of a commercial Power-PC module that was modified for a launch mounted on the ICC pallet in the Space Shuttle's cargo bay. Both systems are currently upgraded and extended for future applications.

Accruals for HANDI 2000 business management system

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

Wilson, D.

The Data Integration 2000 Project will result in an integrated and comprehensive set of functional applications containing core information necessary to support the Project Hanford Management Contract. It is based on the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf product solution with commercially proven business processes. The COTS product solution set, of PassPort and People Soft software, supports finance, supply and chemical management/Material Safety Data Sheet, human resources. Accruals are made at the project level. At the inception of each project, Project Management and the Accounts Payable Group make a mutual decision on whether periodic accrual entries should be made for it.

Telescience Resource Kit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Michelle; Lippincott, Jeff; Chubb, Steve; Whitaker, Jimmy; Rice, Jim; Gillis, Robert; Sims, Chris; Sellers, Donna; Bailey, Darrell (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Telescience Resource Kit (TReK) is a PC based ground control system. It can be used by a single individual or in a group environment to monitor and control spacecraft systems and payloads. Capabilities include data receipt, data processing, data storage, data management, and data transmission. Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware and software have been employed to reduce development costs, operations and maintenance costs, and to effectively take advantage of new commercial products as they become available. The TReK system is currently being used to monitor and control payloads aboard the International Space Station. It is located at sites around the world.

Factors affecting metabolic cost of transport during a multi-stage running race.

PubMed

Lazzer, Stefano; Taboga, Paolo; Salvadego, Desy; Rejc, Enrico; Simunic, Bostjan; Narici, Marco V; Buglione, Antonio; Giovanelli, Nicola; Antonutto, Guglielmo; Grassi, Bruno; Pisot, Rado; di Prampero, Pietro E

2014-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate: (1) the role of , the fraction of (F) and the metabolic cost of transport (CoT) in determining performance during an ultra-endurance competition and (2) the effects of the race on several biomechanical and morphological parameters of the lower limbs that are likely to affect CoT. Eleven runners (aged 29-54 years) participated in an ultra-endurance competition consisting of three running stages of 25, 55 and 13 km on three consecutive days. Anthropometric characteristics, body composition, morphological properties of the gastrocnemius medialis, maximal explosive power of the lower limb and were determined before the competition. In addition, biomechanics of running and CoT were determined, before and immediately after each running stage. Performance was directly proportional to (r=0.77) and F (r=0.36), and inversely proportional to CoT (r=-0.30). Low CoT values were significantly related to high maximal power of the lower limbs (r=-0.74) and vertical stiffness (r=-0.65) and low footprint index (FPI, r=0.70), step frequency (r=0.62) and external work (r=0.60). About 50% of the increase in CoT during the stages of the competition was accounted for by changes in FPI, which represents a global evaluation of medio-lateral displacement of the foot during the whole stance phase, which in turn is associated with the myotendinous characteristics of the lower limb. Thus, lower CoT values were related to greater muscular power and lower FPI, suggesting that a better ankle stability is likely to achieve better performance in an ultra-endurance running competition.

Comparison of antibiotic prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole/colistin (COT/COL) versus ciprofloxacin (CIP) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

PubMed

Mayer, Karin; Hahn-Ast, Corinna; Mückter, Sara; Schmitz, Andrea; Krause, Simon; Felder, Linda; Bekeredjian-Ding, Isabelle; Molitor, Ernst; Brossart, Peter; von Lilienfeld-Toal, Marie

2015-05-01

Recent meta-analyses showed that antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia after chemotherapy reduced the incidence of fever and mortality rate. Fluoroquinolones appear to be most effective and well tolerated. Thus, in April 2008, we changed our antibiotic prophylaxis regimen from cotrimoxazole/colistin (COT/COL) to the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin (CIP) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare efficacy and development of bacterial resistance with two different prophylaxis regimens over a time period of more than 4 years. Induction chemotherapy courses given for AML during the antibiotic prophylaxis period with COT/COL (01/2006-04/2008) and CIP (04/2008-06/2010) were retrospectively analyzed with a standard questionnaire. Eighty-five courses in the COT/COL group and 105 in the CIP group were analyzed. The incidence of fever was not significantly different (COT/COL 80 % vs CIP 77 %; p = 0.724). Also, the rate of microbiologically documented infections was nearly the same (29 vs 26 %; p = 0.625). In addition, there was no significant difference in the incidence of clinically documented infections (11 vs 19 %; p = 0.155) or in the rates of detected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Of note, there was no increase in resistance rates or cases with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in the CIP group. The antibiotic prophylaxis with CIP compared to COT/COL in AML was similarly effective with no increase in bacterial resistance. COT/COL may have the advantages of providing additional prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and leaving fluoroquinolones as an additional option for treatment of febrile neutropenia.

Accounting for genetic and environmental confounds in associations between parent and child characteristics: a systematic review of children-of-twins studies.

PubMed

McAdams, Tom A; Neiderhiser, Jenae M; Rijsdijk, Fruhling V; Narusyte, Jurgita; Lichtenstein, Paul; Eley, Thalia C

2014-07-01

Parental psychopathology, parenting style, and the quality of intrafamilial relationships are all associated with child mental health outcomes. However, most research can say little about the causal pathways underlying these associations. This is because most studies are not genetically informative and are therefore not able to account for the possibility that associations are confounded by gene-environment correlation. That is, biological parents not only provide a rearing environment for their child, but also contribute 50% of their genes. Any associations between parental phenotype and child phenotype are therefore potentially confounded. One technique for disentangling genetic from environmental effects is the children-of-twins (COT) method. This involves using data sets comprising twin parents and their children to distinguish genetic from environmental associations between parent and child phenotypes. The COT technique has grown in popularity in the last decade, and we predict that this surge in popularity will continue. In the present article we explain the COT method for those unfamiliar with its use. We present the logic underlying this approach, discuss strengths and weaknesses, and highlight important methodological considerations for researchers interested in the COT method. We also cover variations on basic COT approaches, including the extended-COT method, capable of distinguishing forms of gene-environment correlation. We then present a systematic review of all the behavioral COT studies published to date. These studies cover such diverse phenotypes as psychosis, substance abuse, internalizing, externalizing, parenting, and marital difficulties. In reviewing this literature, we highlight past applications, identify emergent patterns, and suggest avenues for future research. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

A longitudinal study of depression among middle-aged and senior patients initiating chronic opioid therapy.

PubMed

Von Korff, Michael; Shortreed, Susan M; LeResche, Linda; Saunders, Kathleen; Thielke, Stephen; Thakral, Manu; Rosenberg, Dori; Turner, Judith A

2017-03-15

Improved understanding how depressive symptoms change with sustained opioid use is needed. We prospectively assessed patients 45 years or older initiating chronic opioid therapy (COT) at baseline and at 4 and 12 months, differentiating recent COT initiators (n=748) and continuing users (n=468). Level of opioid use before 12-month follow-up was classified as regular/higher-dose, intermittent/lower-dose, or minimal/no use. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8). Depressive symptoms decreased, on average, from baseline to 12 months regardless of level of opioid use. COT patients with regular/higher-dose compared to those with intermittent/lower-dose opioid use (who had similar pain outcomes) did not differ in PHQ-8 scores at 12 months (adjusted mean difference -0.14, 95% CI, -1.07, 0.78 for COT initiators). At 12 months, COT patients with intermittent/lower-dose use had higher adjusted PHQ-8 scores than did those with minimal/no opioid use (adjusted mean difference 0.77, 95% CI, 0.03-1.52 for COT initiators). However, 77% of patients who discontinued opioids cited improved pain as a reason for discontinuation, while 21% cited negative emotional effects of opioids as a reason for discontinuation. Discontinuation was more common among persons who, at baseline, attributed 3 or more depressive symptoms to opioid use. Results are relevant to older COT patients receiving low to moderate opioid doses. Depressive symptoms did not increase with sustained opioid use. Depressive symptoms were not higher with regular/higher-dose compared to intermittent/lower-dose use. Persons who perceived negative effects of opioids on emotions more often discontinued their use. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Development of GK-2A cloud optical and microphysical properties retrieval algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.; Yum, S. S.; Um, J.

2017-12-01

Cloud and aerosol radiative forcing is known to be one of the the largest uncertainties in climate change prediction. To reduce this uncertainty, remote sensing observation of cloud radiative and microphysical properties have been used since 1970s and the corresponding remote sensing techniques and instruments have been developed. As a part of such effort, Geo-KOMPSAT-2A (Geostationary Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-2A, GK-2A) will be launched in 2018. On the GK-2A, the Advanced Meteorological Imager (AMI) is primary instrument which have 3 visible, 3 near-infrared, and 10 infrared channels. To retrieve optical and microphysical properties of clouds using AMI measurements, the preliminary version of new cloud retrieval algorithm for GK-2A was developed and several validation tests were conducted. This algorithm retrieves cloud optical thickness (COT), cloud effective radius (CER), liquid water path (LWP), and ice water path (IWP), so we named this algorithm as Daytime Cloud Optical thickness, Effective radius and liquid and ice Water path (DCOEW). The DCOEW uses cloud reflectance at visible and near-infrared channels as input data. An optimal estimation (OE) approach that requires appropriate a-priori values and measurement error information is used to retrieve COT and CER. LWP and IWP are calculated using empirical relationships between COT/CER and cloud water path that were determined previously. To validate retrieved cloud properties, we compared DCOEW output data with other operational satellite data. For COT and CER validation, we used two different data sets. To compare algorithms that use cloud reflectance at visible and near-IR channels as input data, MODIS MYD06 cloud product was selected. For the validation with cloud products that are based on microwave measurements, COT(2B-TAU)/CER(2C-ICE) data retrieved from CloudSat cloud profiling radar (W-band, 94 GHz) was used. For cloud water path validation, AMSR-2 Level-3 Cloud liquid water data was used. Detailed results will be shown at the conference.

NASA Mission Operations Directorate Preparations for the COTS Visiting Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shull, Sarah A.; Peek, Kenneth E.

2011-01-01

With the retirement of the Space Shuttle looming, a series of new spacecraft is under development to assist in providing for the growing logistical needs of the International Space Station (ISS). Two of these vehicles are being built under a NASA initiative known as the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. These visiting vehicles ; Space X s Dragon and Orbital Science Corporation s Cygnus , are to be domestically produced in the United States and designed to add to the capabilities of the Russian Progress and Soyuz workhorses, the European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) and the Japanese H-2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV). Most of what is known about the COTS program has focused on the work of Orbital and SpaceX in designing, building, and testing their respective launch and cargo vehicles. However, there is also a team within the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) at NASA s Johnson Space Center working with their operational counterparts in these companies to provide operational safety oversight and mission assurance via the development of operational scenarios and products needed for these missions. Ensuring that the operational aspect is addressed for the initial demonstration flights of these vehicles is the topic of this paper. Integrating Dragon and Cygnus into the ISS operational environment has posed a unique challenge to NASA and their partner companies. This is due in part to the short time span of the COTS program, as measured from initial contract award until first launch, as well as other factors that will be explored in the text. Operational scenarios and products developed for each COTS vehicle will be discussed based on the following categories: timelines, on-orbit checkout, ground documentation, crew procedures, software updates and training materials. Also addressed is an outline of the commonalities associated with the operations for each vehicle. It is the intent of the authors to provide their audience with a better understanding of the mission assurance that MOD brings to commercial ventures to the ISS

The Nuclear Dbf2-Related Kinase COT1 and the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases MAK1 and MAK2 Genetically Interact to Regulate Filamentous Growth, Hyphal Fusion and Sexual Development in Neurospora crassa

PubMed Central

Maerz, Sabine; Ziv, Carmit; Vogt, Nico; Helmstaedt, Kerstin; Cohen, Nourit; Gorovits, Rena; Yarden, Oded; Seiler, Stephan

2008-01-01

Ndr kinases, such as Neurospora crassa COT1, are important for cell differentiation and polar morphogenesis, yet their input signals as well as their integration into a cellular signaling context are still elusive. Here, we identify the cot-1 suppressor gul-4 as mak-2 and show that mutants of the gul-4/mak-2 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway suppress cot-1 phenotypes along with a concomitant reduction in protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Furthermore, mak-2 pathway defects are partially overcome in a cot-1 background and are associated with increased MAK1 MAPK signaling. A comparative characterization of N. crassa MAPKs revealed that they act as three distinct modules during vegetative growth and asexual development. In addition, common functions of MAK1 and MAK2 signaling during maintenance of cell-wall integrity distinguished the two ERK-type pathways from the p38-type OS2 osmosensing pathway. In contrast to separate functions during vegetative growth, the concerted activity of the three MAPK pathways is essential for cell fusion and for the subsequent formation of multicellular structures that are required for sexual development. Taken together, our data indicate a functional link between COT1 and MAPK signaling in regulating filamentous growth, hyphal fusion, and sexual development. PMID:18562669

Development of a Universal Waste Management System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baccus, Shelley; Broyan, James L., Jr.

2013-01-01

A concept for a Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) has been developed based on the knowledge gained from over 50 years of space travel. It is being designed for Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) and Multi ]Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) and is based upon the Extended Duration Orbiter (EDO) commode. The UMWS was modified to enhance crew interface and reduce volume and cost. The UWMS will stow waste in fecal canisters, similar to the EDO, and urine will be stowed in bags for in orbit change out. This allows the pretreated urine to be subsequently processed and recovered as drinking water. The new design combines two fans and a rotary phase separator on a common shaft to allow operation by a single motor. This change enhances packaging by reducing the volume associated with an extra motor, associated controller, harness, and supporting structure. The separator pumps urine to either a dual bag design for COTS vehicles or directly into a water reclamation system. The commode is supported by a concentric frame, enhancing its structural integrity while further reducing the volume from the previous design. The UWMS flight concept development effort is underway and an early output of the development will be a ground based UMWS prototype for manned testing. Referred to as the Gen 3 unit, this prototype will emulate the crew interface included in the UWMS and will offer a great deal of knowledge regarding the usability of the new design, allowing the design team the opportunity to modify the UWMS flight concept based on the manned testing.

Empirical Comparison of Two Psychological Therapies: Self Psychology and Cognitive Orientation in the Treatment of Anorexia and Bulimia

PubMed Central

Bachar, Eytan; Latzer, Yael; Kreitler, Shulamit; Berry, Elliot M.

1999-01-01

The authors investigated the applicability of self psychological treatment (SPT) and cognitive orientation treatment (COT) to the treatment of anorexia and bulimia. Thirty-three patients participated in this study. The bulimic patients (n = 25) were randomly assigned either to SPT, COT, or control/nutritional counseling only (C/NC). The anorexic patients (n = 8) were randomly assigned to either SPT or COT. Patients were administered a battery of outcome measures assessing eating disorders symptomatology, attitudes toward food, self structure, and general psychiatric symptoms. After SPT, significant improvement was observed. After COT, slight but nonsignificant improvement was observed. After C/NC, almost no changes could be detected.(The Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research 1999; 8:115–128) PMID:10079459

Mobile, Virtual Enhancements for Rehabilitation (MOVER)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-31

patient uses COTS input devices, such as the Microsoft Kinect and the Wii Balance Board , to perform therapeutic exercises that are mapped to controls...in place of having an exercise creation tool for the therapists, we have simplified the process by hardcoding specific, commonly used balance

Analysis of Wallops Flight Test Data Through an Automated COTS System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackstock, Dexter Lee; Theobalds, Andre B.

2005-01-01

During the summer of 2004 NASA Langley Research Center flight tested a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) at the Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Wallops Flight Facility (WAL). The SVS included a Runway Incursion Prevention System (RIPS) to improve pilot situational awareness while operating near and on the airport surface. The flight tests consisted of air and ground operations to evaluate and validate the performance of the system. This paper describes the flight test and emphasizes how positioning data was collected, post processed and analyzed through the use of a COTS-derived software system. The system that was developed to analyze the data was constructed within the MATLAB(TM) environment. The software was modified to read the data, perform several if-then scenarios and produce the relevant graphs, figures and tables.

Cirrus Cloud Optical and Microphysical Property Retrievals from eMAS During SEAC4RS Using Bi-Spectral Reflectance Measurements Within the 1.88 micron Water Vapor Absorption Band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, K.; Platnick, S.; Arnold, G. T.; Holz, R. E.; Veglio, P.; Yorks, J.; Wang, C.

2016-01-01

Previous bi-spectral imager retrievals of cloud optical thickness (COT) and effective particle radius (CER) based on the Nakajima and King (1990) approach, such as those of the operational MODIS cloud optical property retrieval product (MOD06), have typically paired a non-absorbing visible or near-infrared wavelength, sensitive to COT, with an absorbing shortwave or midwave infrared wavelength sensitive to CER. However, in practice it is only necessary to select two spectral channels that exhibit a strong contrast in cloud particle absorption. Here it is shown, using eMAS observations obtained during NASAs SEAC4RS field campaign, that selecting two absorbing wavelength channels within the broader 1.88 micron water vapor absorption band, namely the 1.83 and 1.93 micron channels that have sufficient differences in ice crystal single scattering albedo, can yield COT and CER retrievals for thin to moderately thick single-layer cirrus that are reasonably consistent with other solar and IR imager-based and lidar-based retrievals. A distinct advantage of this channel selection for cirrus cloud retrievals is that the below cloud water vapor absorption minimizes the surface contribution to measured cloudy TOA reflectance, in particular compared to the solar window channels used in heritage retrievals such as MOD06. This reduces retrieval uncertainty resulting from errors in the surface reflectance assumption, as well as reduces the frequency of retrieval failures for thin cirrus clouds.

Cirrus cloud optical and microphysical property retrievals from eMAS during SEAC4RS using bi-spectral reflectance measurements within the 1.88 µm water vapor absorption band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Kerry; Platnick, Steven; Arnold, G. Thomas; Holz, Robert E.; Veglio, Paolo; Yorks, John; Wang, Chenxi

2016-04-01

Previous bi-spectral imager retrievals of cloud optical thickness (COT) and effective particle radius (CER) based on the Nakajima and King (1990) approach, such as those of the operational MODIS cloud optical property retrieval product (MOD06), have typically paired a non-absorbing visible or near-infrared wavelength, sensitive to COT, with an absorbing shortwave or mid-wave infrared wavelength sensitive to CER. However, in practice it is only necessary to select two spectral channels that exhibit a strong contrast in cloud particle absorption. Here it is shown, using eMAS observations obtained during NASA's SEAC4RS field campaign, that selecting two absorbing wavelength channels within the broader 1.88 µm water vapor absorption band, namely the 1.83 and 1.93 µm channels that have sufficient differences in ice crystal single scattering albedo, can yield COT and CER retrievals for thin to moderately thick single-layer cirrus that are reasonably consistent with other solar and IR imager-based and lidar-based retrievals. A distinct advantage of this channel selection for cirrus cloud retrievals is that the below-cloud water vapor absorption minimizes the surface contribution to measured cloudy top-of-atmosphere reflectance, in particular compared to the solar window channels used in heritage retrievals such as MOD06. This reduces retrieval uncertainty resulting from errors in the surface reflectance assumption and reduces the frequency of retrieval failures for thin cirrus clouds.

Software defined radio (SDR) architecture for concurrent multi-satellite communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maheshwarappa, Mamatha R.

SDRs have emerged as a viable approach for space communications over the last decade by delivering low-cost hardware and flexible software solutions. The flexibility introduced by the SDR concept not only allows the realisation of concurrent multiple standards on one platform, but also promises to ease the implementation of one communication standard on differing SDR platforms by signal porting. This technology would facilitate implementing reconfigurable nodes for parallel satellite reception in Mobile/Deployable Ground Segments and Distributed Satellite Systems (DSS) for amateur radio/university satellite operations. This work outlines the recent advances in embedded technologies that can enable new communication architectures for concurrent multi-satellite or satellite-to-ground missions where multi-link challenges are associated. This research proposes a novel concept to run advanced parallelised SDR back-end technologies in a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) embedded system that can support multi-signal processing for multi-satellite scenarios simultaneously. The initial SDR implementation could support only one receiver chain due to system saturation. However, the design was optimised to facilitate multiple signals within the limited resources available on an embedded system at any given time. This was achieved by providing a VHDL solution to the existing Python and C/C++ programming languages along with parallelisation so as to accelerate performance whilst maintaining the flexibility. The improvement in the performance was validated at every stage through profiling. Various cases of concurrent multiple signals with different standards such as frequency (with Doppler effect) and symbol rates were simulated in order to validate the novel architecture proposed in this research. Also, the architecture allows the system to be reconfigurable by providing the opportunity to change the communication standards in soft real-time. The chosen COTS solution provides a generic software methodology for both ground and space applications that will remain unaltered despite new evolutions in hardware, and supports concurrent multi-standard, multi-channel and multi-rate telemetry signals.

The design of a petabyte archive and distribution system for the NASA ECS project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caulk, Parris M.

1994-01-01

The NASA EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Core System (ECS) will contain one of the largest data management systems ever built - the ECS Science and Data Processing System (SDPS). SDPS is designed to support long term Global Change Research by acquiring, producing, and storing earth science data, and by providing efficient means for accessing and manipulating that data. The first two releases of SDPS, Release A and Release B, will be operational in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Release B will be deployed at eight Distributed Active Archiving Centers (DAAC's). Individual DAAC's will archive different collections of earth science data, and will vary in archive capacity. The storage and management of these data collections is the responsibility of the SDPS Data Server subsystem. It is anticipated that by the year 2001, the Data Server subsystem at the Goddard DAAC must support a near-line data storage capacity of one petabyte. The development of SDPS is a system integration effort in which COTS products will be used in favor of custom components in very possible way. Some software and hardware capabilities required to meet ECS data volume and storage management requirements beyond 1999 are not yet supported by available COTS products. The ECS project will not undertake major custom development efforts to provide these capabilities. Instead, SDPS and its Data Server subsystem are designed to support initial implementations with current products, and provide an evolutionary framework that facilitates the introduction of advanced COTS products as they become available. This paper provides a high-level description of the Data Server subsystem design from a COTS integration standpoint, and discussed some of the major issues driving the design. The paper focuses on features of the design that will make the system scalable and adaptable to changing technologies.

Sustainment and Net-ready Key Performance Parameters (KPP) in an Enterprise Information System (EIS) Value Assurance Framework (VAF)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

adapts the concept of “Communities of Interest” (COI) identified in DoD GIG policy for this purpose. In the VAF construct COIs become hands-on beta...developers. This approach both leverages COTS economy of scale and nudges COTS development in directions useful to the government. Programs can write...schedule  Exploit new GIG acquisition policies  Extend and expand pure COTS competition  Issue simple use cases in lieu of traditional RFI/RFP

Market Research Survey of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Portable MS Systems for IAEA Safeguards Applications

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

Hart, Garret L.; Hager, George J.; Barinaga, Charles J.

2013-02-01

This report summarizes the results for the market research survey of mass spectrometers that are deemed pertinent to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) needs and strategic objectives. The focus of the report is on MS instruments that represent currently available (or soon to be) commercial off-the shelf (COTS) technology and weigh less than 400 pounds. A compilation of all available MS instruments (36 COTS and 2 R&D) is presented, along with pertinent information regarding each instrument.

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, presents NASA's Group Achievement Award to Gwynne Shotwell, President, SpaceX, at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Thursday, November 13, 2013. Shotwell received the award for outstanding contributions and innovative accomplishments in the completion of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

Model-based query language for analyzing clinical processes.

PubMed

Barzdins, Janis; Barzdins, Juris; Rencis, Edgars; Sostaks, Agris

2013-01-01

Nowadays large databases of clinical process data exist in hospitals. However, these data are rarely used in full scope. In order to perform queries on hospital processes, one must either choose from the predefined queries or develop queries using MS Excel-type software system, which is not always a trivial task. In this paper we propose a new query language for analyzing clinical processes that is easily perceptible also by non-IT professionals. We develop this language based on a process modeling language which is also described in this paper. Prototypes of both languages have already been verified using real examples from hospitals.

Preliminary Evaluation Of Commercial Supercapacitors For Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gineste, Valery; Loup, Didier; Mattesco, Patrick; Neugnot, Nicolas

2011-10-01

Supercapacitors are identified since years as a new technology enabling energy storage together with high power delivery capability to the system. A recent ESA study [1] led by Astrium has demonstrated the interest of these devices for space application, providing that reliability and end of life performances are demonstrated. A realistic commercial on the shelf (COTS) approach (or with limited design modification approved by potential suppliers) has been favoured (as for batteries). This paper presents preliminary test results done by Astrium on COTS supercapacitors: accelerated life tests, calendar life tests, technology analyses. Based on these results, assessment and lessons learnt are drawn in view of future exhaustive supercapacitor validation and future qualification.

The continent-ocean transition on the northwestern South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cameselle, Alejandra L.; Ranero, César R.; Franke, Dieter; Barckhausen, Udo

2015-04-01

Rifted margins are created as a result of stretching and breakup of continental lithosphere that eventually leads to oceanic spreading and formation of a new oceanic basin. A cornerstone for understanding how rift characteristics vary along strike in the same system and what processes control the final transition to seafloor spreading is the continent-ocean transition (COT). We use four regional multichannel seismic profiles and published magnetic lineations to study the structure and variability of COT on the northwest subbasin (NWSB) of the South China Sea and to discern continental from oceanic domains. The continental domain is characterized by tilted fault blocks overlaid by thick syn-rift sedimentary units and fairly continuous Moho reflections typically at 8-10 s twtt. Thickness of the continental crust changes from ~20-25 km under the uppermost slope to ~9-6 km under the lower slope. The oceanic domain is interpreted where a highly reflective top of basement, little faulting, no syntectonic strata, and fairly constant thickness basement (4-8 km) occur. The COT is imaged as a ~5-10 km wide zone where oceanic-type features abut continental-type structures. The South China margin is deformed by abundant normal faults dissecting the continental crust, whereas the conjugate Macclesfield Bank margin displays comparatively abrupt thinning and little faulting. Seismic profiles show an along-strike variation in the tectonic structure of the continental margin. The NE-most lines display ~20-40 km wide segments of intense faulting under the slope and associated continental-crust thinning. Towards the SW, faulting and thinning of the continental crust occurs across a ~100-110 km wide segment. We interpret this 3D structural variability and the narrow COT as a consequence of the abrupt termination of continental rifting tectonics by the NE to SW propagation of a spreading center. We suggest that breakup occurred by spreading center propagation to a larger degree than by lithospheric thinning during continental rifting. Based on the sedimentary successions overlying the oceanic crust, we propose a kinematic evolution for the oceanic domain of the NWSB consisting of a southward spreading center propagation followed by a first narrow ridge jump to the north, and then a younger larger jump to the SW into the east subbasin.

Peeling the Onion of Auditory Processing Disorder: A Language/Curricular-Based Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallach, Geraldine P.

2011-01-01

Purpose: This article addresses auditory processing disorder (APD) from a language-based perspective. The author asks speech-language pathologists to evaluate the functionality (or not) of APD as a diagnostic category for children and adolescents with language-learning and academic difficulties. Suggestions are offered from a…

Comparison of custom versus COTS AMLCDs for military and avionic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelo, Van

1997-07-01

AMLCD's are currently the flat panel technology of choice for military systems and civil transport avionic applications, both new and retrofit. Historically, military and avionic displays have ben custom designed and have generally been specific to each application. Two recent developments have given display system designers a choice between a custom military/avionic solution or a ruggedized commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) implementation. The first development is the widespread availability of various consumer and automotive AMLCD panels at low prices. The second is the change in the policy of defense departments, notably the US Department of Defense, to procure COTS components instead of developing custom solutions. This paper assesses and analyzes the key differences in characteristics, performance and logistical supportability of military and avionic AMLCD's and presents the tradeoffs involved in making the optimum choice between custom and COTS.

Reliability Assessment for COTS Components in Space Flight Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krishnan, G. S.; Mazzuchi, Thomas A.

2001-01-01

Systems built for space flight applications usually demand very high degree of performance and a very high level of accuracy. Hence, the design engineers are often prone to selecting state-of-art technologies for inclusion in their system design. The shrinking budgets also necessitate use of COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) components, which are construed as being less expensive. The performance and accuracy requirements for space flight applications are much more stringent than those for the commercial applications. The quantity of systems designed and developed for space applications are much lower in number than those produced for the commercial applications. With a given set of requirements, are these COTS components reliable? This paper presents a model for assessing the reliability of COTS components in space applications and the associated affect on the system reliability. We illustrate the method with a real application.

NDS modernization project - requirements analysis report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-04-09

The National Distress System (NDS) Modernization Project envisions replacing/modernizing the present VHF-FM based system with an integrated state-of-the-art commercial/government-off- : the-shelf (COTS/GOTS) or non-developmental item (NDI) solution. ...

Effects of size, sex, and voluntary running speeds on costs of locomotion in lines of laboratory mice selectively bred for high wheel-running activity.

PubMed

Rezende, Enrico L; Kelly, Scott A; Gomes, Fernando R; Chappell, Mark A; Garland, Theodore

2006-01-01

Selective breeding for over 35 generations has led to four replicate (S) lines of laboratory house mice (Mus domesticus) that run voluntarily on wheels about 170% more than four random-bred control (C) lines. We tested whether S lines have evolved higher running performance by increasing running economy (i.e., decreasing energy spent per unit of distance) as a correlated response to selection, using a recently developed method that allows for nearly continuous measurements of oxygen consumption (VO2) and running speed in freely behaving animals. We estimated slope (incremental cost of transport [COT]) and intercept for regressions of power (the dependent variable, VO2/min) on speed for 49 males and 47 females, as well as their maximum VO2 and speeds during wheel running, under conditions mimicking those that these lines face during the selection protocol. For comparison, we also measured COT and maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) during forced exercise on a motorized treadmill. As in previous studies, the increased wheel running of S lines was mainly attributable to increased average speed, with males also showing a tendency for increased time spent running. On a whole-animal basis, combined analysis of males and females indicated that COT during voluntary wheel running was significantly lower in the S lines (one-tailed P=0.015). However, mice from S lines are significantly smaller and attain higher maximum speeds on the wheels; with either body mass or maximum speed (or both) entered as a covariate, the statistical significance of the difference in COT is lost (one-tailed P> or =0.2). Thus, both body size and behavior are key components of the reduction in COT. Several statistically significant sex differences were observed, including lower COT and higher resting metabolic rate in females. In addition, maximum voluntary running speeds were negatively correlated with COT in females but not in males. Moreover, males (but not females) from the S lines exhibited significantly higher treadmill VO2max as compared to those from C lines. The sex-specific responses to selection may in part be consequences of sex differences in body mass and running style. Our results highlight how differences in size and running speed can account for lower COT in S lines and suggest that lower COT may have coadapted in response to selection for higher running distances in these lines.

A Cost Effective System Design Approach for Critical Space Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbott, Larry Wayne; Cox, Gary; Nguyen, Hai

2000-01-01

NASA-JSC required an avionics platform capable of serving a wide range of applications in a cost-effective manner. In part, making the avionics platform cost effective means adhering to open standards and supporting the integration of COTS products with custom products. Inherently, operation in space requires low power, mass, and volume while retaining high performance, reconfigurability, scalability, and upgradability. The Universal Mini-Controller project is based on a modified PC/104-Plus architecture while maintaining full compatibility with standard COTS PC/104 products. The architecture consists of a library of building block modules, which can be mixed and matched to meet a specific application. A set of NASA developed core building blocks, processor card, analog input/output card, and a Mil-Std-1553 card, have been constructed to meet critical functions and unique interfaces. The design for the processor card is based on the PowerPC architecture. This architecture provides an excellent balance between power consumption and performance, and has an upgrade path to the forthcoming radiation hardened PowerPC processor. The processor card, which makes extensive use of surface mount technology, has a 166 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 32 Mbytes of error detected and corrected RAM, 8 Mbytes of Flash, and I Mbytes of EPROM, on a single PC/104-Plus card. Similar densities have been achieved with the quad channel Mil-Std-1553 card and the analog input/output cards. The power management built into the processor and its peripheral chip allows the power and performance of the system to be adjusted to meet the requirements of the application, allowing another dimension to the flexibility of the Universal Mini-Controller. Unique mechanical packaging allows the Universal Mini-Controller to accommodate standard COTS and custom oversized PC/104-Plus cards. This mechanical packaging also provides thermal management via conductive cooling of COTS boards, which are typically designed for convection cooling methods.

A Shuttle Story: Latchup Qualification of a Truly Commercial Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swift, G.; Edmonds, L.; O'Conner, M.; Smith, L.; Tubbs, E.

1998-01-01

Destructive single event effects (DSEE) are a main concern for pioneers attempting to use COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) devices in space, so a COTS instrument full of such devices is particulary scary.

"Making Do": Adapting Transaction Systems to Organizational Needs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barreau, Deborah K.

2001-01-01

Discusses transaction systems that are designed for rapid data entry and task completion, and describes a study of three organizations that use commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) products for providing customer service as well as for processing transactions. Concludes that organizations made do with systems designed for one application to…

EPA iComplaints

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The iComplaints system is an enterprise-level COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) product that provides all of the funtionality required to collect, track, manage, process and report on information regarding internal EEO complaints in accordance with several civil rights laws and regulations, to include but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

KSC-2012-2511

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2513

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2512

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians load cargo into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2510

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to load cargo into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2514

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians stow cargo in the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2516

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag slides through the docking ring into the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule for stowage for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Integrated Display and Environmental Awareness System - System Architecture Definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doule, Ondrej; Miranda, David; Hochstadt, Jake

2017-01-01

The Integrated Display and Environmental Awareness System (IDEAS) is an interdisciplinary team project focusing on the development of a wearable computer and Head Mounted Display (HMD) based on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components for the specific application and needs of NASA technicians, engineers and astronauts. Wearable computers are on the verge of utilization trials in daily life as well as industrial environments. The first civil and COTS wearable head mounted display systems were introduced just a few years ago and they probed not only technology readiness in terms of performance, endurance, miniaturization, operability and usefulness but also maturity of practice in perspective of a socio-technical context. Although the main technical hurdles such as mass and power were addressed as improvements on the technical side, the usefulness, practicality and social acceptance were often noted on the side of a broad variety of humans' operations. In other words, although the technology made a giant leap, its use and efficiency still looks for the sweet spot. The first IDEAS project started in January 2015 and was concluded in January 2017. The project identified current COTS systems' capability at minimum cost and maximum applicability and brought about important strategic concepts that will serve further IDEAS-like system development.

COTS technologies for telemedicine applications.

PubMed

Triunfo, Riccardo; Tumbarello, Roberto; Sulis, Alessandro; Zanetti, Gianluigi; Lianas, Luca; Meloni, Vittorio; Frexia, Francesca

2010-01-01

To demonstrate a simple low-cost system for tele-echocardiology, focused on paediatric cardiology applications. The system was realized using open-source software and COTS technologies. It is based on the transmission of two simultaneous video streams, obtained by direct digitization of the output of an ultrasound machine and by a netcam showing the examination that is taking place. These streams are then embedded into a web page so they are accessible, together with basic video controls, via a standard web browser. The system can also record video streams on a server for further use. The system was tested on a small group of neonatal cases with suspected cardiopathies for a preliminary assessment of its features and diagnostic capabilities. Both the clinical and technological results were encouraging and are leading the way for further experimentation. The presented system can transfer clinical images and videos in an efficient way and in real time. It can be used in the same hospital to support internal consultancy requests, in remote areas using Internet connections and for didactic purposes using low cost COTS appliances and simple interfaces for end users. The solution proposed can be extended to control different medical appliances in those remote hospitals.

Robonaut's Flexible Information Technology Infrastructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Askew, Scott; Bluethmann, William; Alder, Ken; Ambrose, Robert

2003-01-01

Robonaut, NASA's humanoid robot, is designed to work as both an astronaut assistant and, in certain situations, an astronaut surrogate. This highly dexterous robot performs complex tasks under telepresence control that could previously only be carried out directly by humans. Currently with 47 degrees of freedom (DOF), Robonaut is a state-of-the-art human size telemanipulator system. while many of Robonaut's embedded components have been custom designed to meet packaging or environmental requirements, the primary computing systems used in Robonaut are currently commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products which have some correlation to flight qualified computer systems. This loose coupling of information technology (IT) resources allows Robonaut to exploit cost effective solutions while floating the technology base to take advantage of the rapid pace of IT advances. These IT systems utilize a software development environment, which is both compatible with COTS hardware as well as flight proven computing systems, preserving the majority of software development for a flight system. The ability to use highly integrated and flexible COTS software development tools improves productivity while minimizing redesign for a space flight system. Further, the flexibility of Robonaut's software and communication architecture has allowed it to become a widely used distributed development testbed for integrating new capabilities and furthering experimental research.

Integrated Component-based Data Acquisition Systems for Aerospace Test Facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Richard W.

2001-01-01

The Multi-Instrument Integrated Data Acquisition System (MIIDAS), developed by the NASA Langley Research Center, uses commercial off the shelf (COTS) products, integrated with custom software, to provide a broad range of capabilities at a low cost throughout the system s entire life cycle. MIIDAS combines data acquisition capabilities with online and post-test data reduction computations. COTS products lower purchase and maintenance costs by reducing the level of effort required to meet system requirements. Object-oriented methods are used to enhance modularity, encourage reusability, and to promote adaptability, reducing software development costs. Using only COTS products and custom software supported on multiple platforms reduces the cost of porting the system to other platforms. The post-test data reduction capabilities of MIIDAS have been installed at four aerospace testing facilities at NASA Langley Research Center. The systems installed at these facilities provide a common user interface, reducing the training time required for personnel that work across multiple facilities. The techniques employed by MIIDAS enable NASA to build a system with a lower initial purchase price and reduced sustaining maintenance costs. With MIIDAS, NASA has built a highly flexible next generation data acquisition and reduction system for aerospace test facilities that meets customer expectations.

Automated Clean Chemistry for Bulk Analysis of Environmental Swipe Samples - FY17 Year End Report

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

Ticknor, Brian W.; Metzger, Shalina C.; McBay, Eddy H.

Sample preparation methods for mass spectrometry are being automated using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment to shorten lengthy and costly manual chemical purification procedures. This development addresses a serious need in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Network of Analytical Laboratories (IAEA NWAL) to increase efficiency in the Bulk Analysis of Environmental Samples for Safeguards program with a method that allows unattended, overnight operation. In collaboration with Elemental Scientific Inc., the prepFAST-MC2 was designed based on COTS equipment. It was modified for uranium/plutonium separations using renewable columns packed with Eichrom TEVA and UTEVA resins, with a chemical separation method based on the Oakmore » Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) NWAL chemical procedure. The newly designed prepFAST-SR has had several upgrades compared with the original prepFAST-MC2. Both systems are currently installed in the Ultra-Trace Forensics Science Center at ORNL.« less

User Interface Composition with COTS-UI and Trading Approaches: Application for Web-Based Environmental Information Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Criado, Javier; Padilla, Nicolás; Iribarne, Luis; Asensio, Jose-Andrés

Due to the globalization of the information and knowledge society on the Internet, modern Web-based Information Systems (WIS) must be flexible and prepared to be easily accessible and manageable in real-time. In recent times it has received a special interest the globalization of information through a common vocabulary (i.e., ontologies), and the standardized way in which information is retrieved on the Web (i.e., powerful search engines, and intelligent software agents). These same principles of globalization and standardization should also be valid for the user interfaces of the WIS, but they are built on traditional development paradigms. In this paper we present an approach to reduce the gap of globalization/standardization in the generation of WIS user interfaces by using a real-time "bottom-up" composition perspective with COTS-interface components (type interface widgets) and trading services.

On the Utilization of In-flight Radiation-induced Performance Data and Anomaly Resolution of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Electronics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LeBel, Kenneth A.; Poivey, Christian; Barth, Janet L.

2003-01-01

This viewgraph presentation presents an overview of the use of in-flight science data to review the radiation effects on commercial off the shelf (COTS) electronics used in recent spacecraft missions. The authors review the hazards that the space radiation environment pose for spacecraft electronics. They specifically discuss long term effects such as total ionizing dose (TID) and short term effects like single particle events (SEE). The advantages of using COTS electronics despite not being radiation hardened are mentioned. The reasons cite for tracking in-flight performance of COTS electronics include: anomaly resolution, validate ground tests and environmental predictions and provide lessons for future designers. Sample radiation impacts of science data from the following missions are analyzed: SOHO/LASCO 3 Coronograph, Microwave Anisotrophy Probe, Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

Schematization and Sentence Processing by Foreign Language Learners: A Reading-Time Experiment and a Stimulated-Recall Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tode, Tomoko

2012-01-01

This article examines how learners of English as a foreign language process reduced relative clauses (RRCs) from the perspective of usage-based language learning, which posits that language knowledge forms a hierarchy from item-based knowledge consisting only of entrenched frequent exemplars to more advanced schematized knowledge. Twenty-eight…

An Infinite Game in a Finite Setting: Visualizing Foreign Language Teaching and Learning in America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mantero, Miguel

According to contemporary thought and foundational research, this paper presents various elements of the foreign language teaching profession and language learning environment in the United States as either product-driven or process-based. It is argued that a process-based approach to language teaching and learning benefits not only second…

A Research on Second Language Acquisition and College English Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Changyu

2009-01-01

It was in the 1970s that American linguist S.D. Krashen created the theory of "language acquisition". The theories on second language acquisition were proposed based on the study on the second language acquisition process and its rules. Here, the second language acquisition process refers to the process in which a learner with the…

The observation of AE events under uniaxial compression and the quantitative relationship between the anisotropy index and the main failure plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhibo; Wang, Enyuan; Chen, Dong; Li, Xuelong; Li, Nan

2016-11-01

In this paper, the P-wave velocities in different directions of sandstone samples under uniaxial compression are measured. The results indicate that the changes in the P-wave velocity in different directions are almost the same. In the initial stage of loading, the P-wave velocity exhibits a rising trend due to compaction and closure of preexisting fissures. As the stress increase, preexisting fissures are closed but induced fractures are not yet generated. The sandstone samples become denser and more uniform. The P-wave velocity remains in a steady state at a high level. In the late stage of loading, the P-wave velocity drops significantly due to the expansion and breakthrough of induced fractures. The P-wave velocity anisotropy index ε is analyzed during the process of loading. It can be observed that the change in the degree of wave velocity anisotropy can be divided into three stages: the AB stage, the BC stage and the CD stage, with a changing trend from decline to incline. In the initial stage of loading, the preexisting fissures have a randomized distribution, and the change is large-scale and uniform. The difference in each spatial point decreases gradually, and synchronization increases gradually. Thus, the P-wave velocity anisotropy declines. As the stress increases gradually, with the expansion and breakthrough of induced fractures, the difference in each spatial point increases. Before failure of rock samples, the violent change region of the rock samples' internal structure is focused on a narrow two-dimensional zone, and the rock samples' structural change is obviously local. Therefore, the degree of velocity anisotropy rises after declining, and it also has good corresponding relation among the AE count, the location of AE events and the degree of wave velocity anisotropy. The projection plane of the main fracture plane on the axis plane is recorded as M plane. Based on the AFF equation, for the CD stage, we analyze the quantitative relationship between the velocity anisotropy index ε and angle θ, which is the difference between the angle of the M plane and the X plane and the angle of the M plane and the Y plane from the theoretical point. The results indicate that 1/ε and cotθ/2 have good negative linear relationship that can be expressed as cotθ/2 = a ∗1/ε + b. According to experimental data, the linear fit of 1/ε and cotθ/2 is found, obtaining cotθ/2 = - 0.04721/ε + 0.03, with a linear fit index of 0.908. From an experimental point of view, the linear relationship between 1/ε and cotθ/2 is verified. Through this research, we propose a new method for quantitatively predicting the main fracture occurrence position by P-wave velocity anisotropy. This work has an important significance for understanding buckling failure of rocks.

Predicting cotton yield of small field plots in a cotton breeding program using UAV imagery data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maja, Joe Mari J.; Campbell, Todd; Camargo Neto, Joao; Astillo, Philip

2016-05-01

One of the major criteria used for advancing experimental lines in a breeding program is yield performance. Obtaining yield performance data requires machine picking each plot with a cotton picker, modified to weigh individual plots. Harvesting thousands of small field plots requires a great deal of time and resources. The efficiency of cotton breeding could be increased significantly while the cost could be decreased with the availability of accurate methods to predict yield performance. This work is investigating the feasibility of using an image processing technique using a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) camera mounted on a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (sUAV) to collect normal RGB images in predicting cotton yield on small plot. An orthonormal image was generated from multiple images and used to process multiple, segmented plots. A Gaussian blur was used to eliminate the high frequency component of the images, which corresponds to the cotton pixels, and used image subtraction technique to generate high frequency pixel images. The cotton pixels were then separated using k-means cluster with 5 classes. Based on the current work, the calculated percentage cotton area was computed using the generated high frequency image (cotton pixels) divided by the total area of the plot. Preliminary results showed (five flights, 3 altitudes) that cotton cover on multiple pre-selected 227 sq. m. plots produce an average of 8% which translate to approximately 22.3 kgs. of cotton. The yield prediction equation generated from the test site was then use on a separate validation site and produced a prediction error of less than 10%. In summary, the results indicate that a COTS camera with an appropriate image processing technique can produce results that are comparable to expensive sensors.

Transfer of preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight.

PubMed

New, K; Flenady, V; Davies, M W

2004-01-01

The use of incubators in helping to maintain a thermoneutral environment for preterm infants has become routine practice in neonatal nurseries. As one of the key criteria for discharging preterm infants from nurseries is their ability to maintain temperature, the infant will need to make the transition from incubator to open cot at some time before discharge. The timing of this transition is important because when an infant is challenged by cold, the infant attempts to increase its heat production to maintain body temperature. The increase in energy expenditure may affect weight gain. The practice of transferring infants from incubators to open cots usually occurs once a weight of around 1700-1800 g has been reached; however, this practice varies widely between neonatal units. This preferred weight mark appears to be largely based on tradition or the personal experience of clinicians, with little consideration of the infant's weight or gestational age at birth. The main objective was to assess the effects on weight gain and temperature control of a policy of transferring preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight. Searches were undertaken of MEDLINE from June 2003 back to 1966, CINAHL from June 2003 back to 1987 and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2003). The title and abstract of each retrieved study were examined to assess eligibility. If there was uncertainty, the full paper was examined. Trials in which preterm infants were randomly allocated to a policy of transfer from incubators to open cots at a lower body weight versus at a higher body weight. Quality assessments and data extraction for included trials were conducted independently by the reviewers. Data for individual trial results were analysed using relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD). Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Due to insufficient data, meta-analysis could not be undertaken. Four studies were identified as potentially eligible for inclusion in this review. Two studies were excluded as random allocation to the exposure was not employed. One study is pending, awaiting additional information from the authors. Therefore, one study involving 60 preterm infants, employing a matched-pairs design, which compared the transfer of infants to open cots at 1700 g versus 1800 g, is included in this review. Only two outcomes could be included from this study; return to incubator and daily weight gain. No statistically significant difference was shown for either return to incubator (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.40 to 10.11) or daily weight gain [MD 4.00 g/day (95% CI -5.23, 13.23)]. Due to small numbers, effects on clinically important outcomes could not be adequately assessed. There is currently little evidence from randomised trials to inform practice on the preferred weight for transferring preterm infants from incubators to open cots. There is a need for larger randomised controlled trials to address this deficiency.

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, presents NASA's Group Achievement Award to (L-R) Frank Culbertson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Orbital Sciences Advanced Programs Group,at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Thursday, November 13, 2013. Culbertson received the award for outstanding contributions and innovative accomplishments in the completion of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

Effects of cations and anions as aggregating agents on SERS detection of cotinine (COT) and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (3HC).

PubMed

Han, Sungyub; Hong, Seongmin; Li, Xiao

2013-11-15

The sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) highly depends on experimental factors including aggregating agents and pH. Using silver nanoparticles as the substrate, the effect of five cationic (K(+), Na(+), Mg(2+), Li(+), Ca(2+)) and three anionic (Cl(-), Br(-), I(-)) aggregating agents was examined on the SERS detection of tobacco-related biomarkers, namely cotinine (COT) and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (3HC). The optimal concentrations of the aggregating agents with respect to highest SERS intensity varied widely (from 1.5 mM for MgCl2 to 150 mM for LiCl). Both cations and anions strongly influenced the SERS enhancement. When Cl(-) was used as the anion, Mg(2+) and Na(+) exhibited the highest SERS intensities for COT and 3HC, respectively. When Mg(2+) was used as the cation, Cl(-) and Br(-) generated the highest SERS enhancement for COT and 3HC, respectively. Clearly, SERS enhancement also depended on the target molecule. Among the 11 aggregating agent combinations tested, the highest SERS enhancement is obtained using 1.5 mM MgCl2 for COT at pH 7.0 and 50 mM NaBr for 3HC at pH 3.0. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-efficiency space-based software radio architectures & algorithms (a minimum size, weight, and power TeraOps processor)

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

Dunham, Mark Edward; Baker, Zachary K; Stettler, Matthew W

2009-01-01

Los Alamos has recently completed the latest in a series of Reconfigurable Software Radios, which incorporates several key innovations in both hardware design and algorithms. Due to our focus on satellite applications, each design must extract the best size, weight, and power performance possible from the ensemble of Commodity Off-the-Shelf (COTS) parts available at the time of design. In this case we have achieved 1 TeraOps/second signal processing on a 1920 Megabit/second datastream, while using only 53 Watts mains power, 5.5 kg, and 3 liters. This processing capability enables very advanced algorithms such as our wideband RF compression scheme tomore » operate remotely, allowing network bandwidth constrained applications to deliver previously unattainable performance.« less

Effect of theobromine-containing toothpaste on dentin tubule occlusion in situ.

PubMed

Amaechi, Bennett T; Mathews, Sapna M; Mensinkai, Poornima K

2015-01-01

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is treated by either occlusion of dentin tubules or nerve desensitization. This in situ study compared dentin tubules occlusion by theobromine-containing dentifrices with (Theodent-classic-F®, TCF) and without (Theodent-classic®, TC) fluoride with 1,500 ppm fluoride toothpaste, Colgate®-Regular (Fluoride) and Novamin®-containing toothpaste, Sensodyne®-5000-Nupro (Novamin®). Each subject wore four intraoral appliances bearing dentin blocks while using one of four test dentifrices (n = 20/dentifrice) twice daily for 7 days. The four appliances were removed successively after 1, 2, 3, and 7 days. Treated blocks and their control (untreated) blocks were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Effects were compared statistically (ANOVA/Tukey's) based on percentage of surface area covered by deposited precipitate layer (%DPL) and percentage of fully open (%FOT), partially occluded (%POT), and completely occluded (%COT) tubules in each block calculated relative to the number of tubules in their control blocks. SEM observation indicated an increased %COT and %DPL over time. After 1 and 2 days, %COT was comparable with TC and TCF, and significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared with Novamin® and Fluoride. Following 3 and 7 days, %COT was comparable among TC, TCF, and Novamin®, but remained significantly lower in Fluoride. At any time, %DPL was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in TC, TCF, and Novamin® compared with Fluoride. Theobromine-containing toothpastes with and without fluoride have equal potential in occluding dentin tubules within a shorter time period than Novamin®-containing toothpaste; however, the three demonstrated equal potential after 1 week, but not the fluoride toothpaste. Theobromine-containing toothpaste promoted dentin tubule occlusion thus shows potential to relief DH.

Preferred gait and walk-run transition speeds in ostriches measured using GPS-IMU sensors.

PubMed

Daley, Monica A; Channon, Anthony J; Nolan, Grant S; Hall, Jade

2016-10-15

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is widely appreciated as a fast and agile bipedal athlete, and is a useful comparative bipedal model for human locomotion. Here, we used GPS-IMU sensors to measure naturally selected gait dynamics of ostriches roaming freely over a wide range of speeds in an open field and developed a quantitative method for distinguishing walking and running using accelerometry. We compared freely selected gait-speed distributions with previous laboratory measures of gait dynamics and energetics. We also measured the walk-run and run-walk transition speeds and compared them with those reported for humans. We found that ostriches prefer to walk remarkably slowly, with a narrow walking speed distribution consistent with minimizing cost of transport (CoT) according to a rigid-legged walking model. The dimensionless speeds of the walk-run and run-walk transitions are slower than those observed in humans. Unlike humans, ostriches transition to a run well below the mechanical limit necessitating an aerial phase, as predicted by a compass-gait walking model. When running, ostriches use a broad speed distribution, consistent with previous observations that ostriches are relatively economical runners and have a flat curve for CoT against speed. In contrast, horses exhibit U-shaped curves for CoT against speed, with a narrow speed range within each gait for minimizing CoT. Overall, the gait dynamics of ostriches moving freely over natural terrain are consistent with previous lab-based measures of locomotion. Nonetheless, ostriches, like humans, exhibit a gait-transition hysteresis that is not explained by steady-state locomotor dynamics and energetics. Further study is required to understand the dynamics of gait transitions. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Deep seismic structure of the northeastern South China Sea: Origin of a high-velocity layer in the lower crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Kuiyuan; Xia, Shaohong; Cao, Jinghe; Sun, Jinlong; Xu, Huilong

2017-04-01

We present a 2-D seismic tomographic image of the crustal structure along the OBS2012 profile, which delineates the Moho morphology and magmatic features of the northeastern South China Sea margin. The image was created by forward modeling (RayInvr) and traveltime tomographic inversion (Tomo2D). Overall, the continental crust thins seaward from 27 km to 21 km within the continental shelf across the Zhu I Depression and Dongsha Rise, with slight local thickening beneath the Dongsha Rise accompanying the increase in the Moho depth. The Dongsha Rise is also characterized by 4-7 km thick high-velocity layer (HVL) ( 7.0-7.6 km/s) in the lower crust and exhibits a relatively high velocity ( 5.5-6.4 km/s) in the upper crust with a velocity gradient lower than those of the Zhu I Depression and Tainan Basin. Across the continental slope and continent-ocean transition (COT), which contain the Tainan Basin, the crust sharply thins from 20 km to 10 km seaward and a 2-3 km thick HVL is imaged in the lower crust. We observed that volcanoes are located only within the COT, but none exist in the continental shelf; the Dongsha Rise exhibits a high magnetic anomaly zone and different geochemical characteristics from the COT. Based on those observations, we conclude that the HVL underlying the COT is probably extension related resulting from the decompression melting in the Cenozoic, whereas the HVL beneath the Dongsha Rise is probably arc related and associated with the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate. These findings are inconsistent with those of some previous studies.

Simultaneously inferring above-cloud absorbing aerosol optical thickness and underlying liquid phase cloud optical and microphysical properties using MODIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Kerry; Platnick, Steven; Zhang, Zhibo

2015-06-01

The regional haze over the southeast (SE) Atlantic Ocean induced by biomass burning in southern Africa can be problematic for passive imager-based retrievals of the underlying quasi-permanent marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds and for estimates of top-of-atmosphere (TOA) aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE). Here an algorithm is introduced to simultaneously retrieve above-cloud aerosol optical thickness (AOT), the cloud optical thickness (COT), and cloud effective particle radius (CER) of the underlying MBL clouds while also providing pixel-level estimates of retrieval uncertainty. This approach utilizes reflectance measurements at six Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) channels from the visible to the shortwave infrared. Retrievals are run under two aerosol model assumptions on 8 years (2006-2013) of June-October Aqua MODIS data over the SE Atlantic, from which a regional cloud and above-cloud aerosol climatology is produced. The cloud retrieval methodology is shown to yield COT and CER consistent with those from the MODIS operational cloud product (MOD06) when forcing AOT to zero, while the full COT-CER-AOT retrievals that account for the above-cloud aerosol attenuation increase regional monthly mean COT and CER by up to 9% and 2%, respectively. Retrieved AOT is roughly 3 to 5 times larger than the collocated 532 nm Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) retrievals, though closer agreement is observed with the CALIOP 1064 nm retrievals, a result consistent with previous case study analyses. Regional cloudy-sky above-cloud aerosol DRE calculations are also performed that illustrate the importance of the aerosol model assumption and underlying cloud retrievals.

Manufacturing vegetable oil based biodiesel: An engineering management perspective

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

According to the USDA, 6.45 million tons of cottonseed was produced in 2007. Each ton will yield approximately 44 to 46 gallons unrefined oil. Cottonseed oil bio-diesel could have the potential to create a more competitive oil market for oil mills. The proposed cost model is based on an existing cot...

Pollux: Enhancing the Quality of Service of the Global Information Grid (GIG)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

and throughput of standard-based and/or COTS-based QoS-enabled pub/sub technologies, including DDS, JMS, Web Services, and CORBA. 2. The DDS QoS...of ser- vice pICKER (QUICKER) model-driven engineering ( MDE ) toolchain shown in Figure 8. QUICKER extends the Platform-Independent Component Modeling

Seahorses of the Hippocampus coronatus complex: taxonomic revision, and description of Hippocampus haema, a new species from Korea and Japan (Teleostei, Syngnathidae).

PubMed

Han, Sang-Yun; Kim, Jin-Koo; Kai, Yoshiaki; Senou, Hiroshi

2017-01-01

Morphological and molecular analyses were conducted on 182 specimens belonging to the Hippocampus coronatus complex ( H. coronatus sensu lato), collected in Korea and Japan 1933-2015, in order to clarify the taxonomic status of the species within this complex. Three species are recognized based on the shape of the coronet, the number of trunk rings (TrR) and tail rings (TaR), and presence or absence of a wing-tip spine (WS) at the dorsal fin base. Hippocampus coronatus Temminck & Schlegel, 1850 ( H. coronatus sensu stricto), is diagnosed by 10 TrR, 37-40 TaR, an extremely high coronet (55.7-79.0 % head length) with four tips on the corona flat (CoT), and one WS. Hippocampus sindonis Jordan & Snyder, 1901 is diagnosed by 10 TrR, 35-38 TaR, a moderately high coronet (36.3-55.4 % HL) with five CoT, and no WS. A new species, H. haema is described on the basis of 140 specimens, characterized by 10 TrR, 35-38 TaR, a moderately high coronet (34.1-54.9 % head length) with four CoT, and two WS. Hippocampus haema is only known from the Korea Strait, western Kyushu, and East/Japan Sea. Recognition of the three species is supported by differences in mitochondrial DNA fragments (cytochrome b , 16S rRNA, and 12S rRNA).

An Operationally Based Vision Assessment Simulator for Domes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Archdeacon, John; Gaska, James; Timoner, Samson

2012-01-01

The Operational Based Vision Assessment (OBVA) simulator was designed and built by NASA and the United States Air Force (USAF) to provide the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) with a scientific testing laboratory to study human vision and testing standards in an operationally relevant environment. This paper describes the general design objectives and implementation characteristics of the simulator visual system being created to meet these requirements. A key design objective for the OBVA research simulator is to develop a real-time computer image generator (IG) and display subsystem that can display and update at 120 frame s per second (design target), or at a minimum, 60 frames per second, with minimal transport delay using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. There are three key parts of the OBVA simulator that are described in this paper: i) the real-time computer image generator, ii) the various COTS technology used to construct the simulator, and iii) the spherical dome display and real-time distortion correction subsystem. We describe the various issues, possible COTS solutions, and remaining problem areas identified by NASA and the USAF while designing and building the simulator for future vision research. We also describe the critically important relationship of the physical display components including distortion correction for the dome consistent with an objective of minimizing latency in the system. The performance of the automatic calibration system used in the dome is also described. Various recommendations for possible future implementations shall also be discussed.

COTS Li-Ion Cells in High Voltage Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davies, Francis; Darcy, Eric; Jeevarajan, Judy; Cowles, Phil

2003-01-01

Testing at NASA JSC and COMDEV shows that Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Li Ion cells can not be used in high voltage batteries safely without considering the voltage stresses that may be put on the protective devices in them during failure modes.

Measurement Technology System

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-29

foundation and the welding of the gantry columns to the base plates. The cabling was appropriately dressed and the electrical installation was completed... duplex robust data transfer. The existing Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) product offering from LEICA is a simple cabling solution that exchanges a

Navigation and Elctro-Optic Sensor Integration Technology for Fusion of Imagery and Digital Mapping Products

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-08-01

Electro - Optic Sensor Integration Technology (NEOSIT) software application. The design is highly modular and based on COTS tools to facilitate integration with sensors, navigation and digital data sources already installed on different host

KSC-2012-2520

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians close the hatch of the Dragon capsule. The hatch was open for cargo to be stowed in the capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2521

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the hatch of the Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule has been closed following stowage of cargo in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2519

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Exploration Technologies technicians prepare to close the hatch of the Dragon capsule. The hatch was open for cargo to be stowed in the capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Pressure sensitivity analysis of fiber Bragg grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mrad, Nezih; Sridharan, Vasant; Kazemi, Alex

2014-09-01

Recent development in fiber optic sensing technology has mainly focused on discrete sensing, particularly, sensing systems with potential multiplexing and multi-parameter capabilities. Bragg grating fiber optic sensors have emerged as the non-disputed champion for multiplexing and simultaneous multi-parameter sensing for emerging high value structural components, advanced processing and manufacturing capabilities and increased critical infrastructure resilience applications. Although the number of potential applications for this sensing technology is large and spans the domains of medicine, manufacturing, aerospace, and public safety; critical issues such as fatigue life, sensitivity, accuracy, embeddability, material/sensor interface integrity, and universal demodulation systems still need to be addressed. The purpose of this paper is to primarily evaluate Commercial-Of-The-Shelf (COTS) Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors' sensitivity to pressure, often neglected in several applications. The COTS fiber sensitivity to pressure is further evaluated for two types of coatings (Polyimide and Acrylate), and different arrangements (arrayed and single).

KSC-2012-2517

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a Space Exploration Technologies technician attaches a cargo bag to the crane that will lift it toward the Dragon capsule where it will be stowed in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2515

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-04

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag is lowered into the hands of a Space Exploration Technologies technician who will load it into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Atelectasis and mechanical ventilation mode during conservative oxygen therapy: A before-and-after study.

PubMed

Suzuki, Satoshi; Eastwood, Glenn M; Goodwin, Mark D; Noë, Geertje D; Smith, Paul E; Glassford, Neil; Schneider, Antoine G; Bellomo, Rinaldo

2015-12-01

The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of a conservative oxygen therapy (COT) (target SpO2 of 90%-92%) on radiological atelectasis and mechanical ventilation modes. We conducted a secondary analysis of 105 intensive care unit patients from a pilot before-and-after study. The primary outcomes of this study were changes in atelectasis score (AS) of 555 chest radiographs assessed by radiologists blinded to treatment allocation and time to weaning from mandatory ventilation and first spontaneous ventilation trial (SVT). There was a significant difference in overall AS between groups, and COT was associated with lower time-weighted average AS. In addition, in COT patients, change from mandatory to spontaneous ventilation or time to first SVT was shortened. After adjustment for baseline characteristics and interactions between oxygen therapy, radiological atelectasis, and mechanical ventilation management, patients in the COT group had significantly lower "best" AS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.28 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.12-0.66]; P=.003) and greater improvement in AS in the first 7 days (adjusted odds ratio, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.17-0.99]; P=.049). Moreover, COT was associated with significantly earlier successful weaning from a mandatory ventilation mode (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.96 [95% CI, 1.73-5.04]; P<.001) and with shorter time to first SVT (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.13-2.78]; P=.013). In mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients, COT might be associated with decreased radiological evidence of atelectasis, earlier weaning from mandatory ventilation modes, and earlier first trial of spontaneous ventilation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cirrus Cloud Optical Thickness and Effective Diameter Retrieved by MODIS: Impacts of Single Habit Assumption, 3-D Radiative Effects, and Cloud Inhomogeneity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yongbo; Sun, Xuejin; Mielonen, Tero; Li, Haoran; Zhang, Riwei; Li, Yan; Zhang, Chuanliang

2018-01-01

For inhomogeneous cirrus clouds, cloud optical thickness (COT) and effective diameter (De) provided by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Collection 6 cloud products are associated with errors due to the single habit assumption (SHA), independent pixel assumption (IPA), photon absorption effect (PAE), and plane-parallel assumption (PPA). SHA means that every cirrus cloud is assumed to have the same shape habit of ice crystals. IPA errors are caused by three-dimensional (3D) radiative effects. PPA and PAE errors are caused by cloud inhomogeneity. We proposed a method to single out these different errors. These errors were examined using the Spherical Harmonics Discrete Ordinate Method simulations done for the MODIS 0.86 μm and 2.13 μm bands. Four midlatitude and tropical cirrus cases were studied. For the COT retrieval, the impacts of SHA and IPA were especially large for optically thick cirrus cases. SHA errors in COT varied distinctly with scattering angles. For the De retrieval, SHA decreased De under most circumstances. PAE decreased De for optically thick cirrus cases. For the COT and De retrievals, the dominant error source was SHA for overhead sun whereas for oblique sun, it could be any of SHA, IPA, and PAE, varying with cirrus cases and sun-satellite viewing geometries. On the domain average, the SHA errors in COT (De) were within -16.1%-42.6% (-38.7%-2.0%), whereas the 3-D radiative effects- and cloud inhomogeneity-induced errors in COT (De) were within -5.6%-19.6% (-2.9%-8.0%) and -2.6%-0% (-3.7%-9.8%), respectively.

Involvement of Superoxide Dismutase in Spore Coat Assembly in Bacillus subtilis

PubMed Central

Henriques, Adriano O.; Melsen, Lawrence R.; Moran, Charles P.

1998-01-01

Endospores of Bacillus subtilis are enclosed in a proteinaceous coat which can be differentiated into a thick, striated outer layer and a thinner, lamellar inner layer. We found that the N-terminal sequence of a 25-kDa protein present in a preparation of spore coat proteins matched that of the Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD) encoded by the sodA locus. sodA is transcribed throughout the growth and sporulation of a wild-type strain and is responsible for the SOD activity detected in total cell extracts prepared from B. subtilis. Disruption of the sodA locus produced a mutant that lacked any detectable SOD activity during vegetative growth and sporulation. The sodA mutant was not impaired in the ability to form heat- or lysozyme-resistant spores. However, examination of the coat layers of sodA mutant spores revealed increased extractability of the tyrosine-rich outer coat protein CotG. We showed that this condition was not accompanied by augmented transcription of the cotG gene in sporulating cells of the sodA mutant. We conclude that SodA is required for the assembly of CotG into the insoluble matrix of the spore and suggest that CotG is covalently cross-linked into the insoluble matrix by an oxidative reaction dependent on SodA. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that the inner coat formed by a sodA mutant was incomplete. Moreover, the outer coat lacked the characteristic striated appearance of wild-type spores, a pattern that was accentuated in a cotG mutant. These observations suggest that the SodA-dependent formation of the insoluble matrix containing CotG is largely responsible for the striated appearance of this coat layer. PMID:9573176

Generating structure from experience: A retrieval-based model of language processing.

PubMed

Johns, Brendan T; Jones, Michael N

2015-09-01

Standard theories of language generally assume that some abstraction of linguistic input is necessary to create higher level representations of linguistic structures (e.g., a grammar). However, the importance of individual experiences with language has recently been emphasized by both usage-based theories (Tomasello, 2003) and grounded and situated theories (e.g., Zwaan & Madden, 2005). Following the usage-based approach, we present a formal exemplar model that stores instances of sentences across a natural language corpus, applying recent advances from models of semantic memory. In this model, an exemplar memory is used to generate expectations about the future structure of sentences, using a mechanism for prediction in language processing (Altmann & Mirković, 2009). The model successfully captures a broad range of behavioral effects-reduced relative clause processing (Reali & Christiansen, 2007), the role of contextual constraint (Rayner & Well, 1996), and event knowledge activation (Ferretti, Kutas, & McRae, 2007), among others. We further demonstrate how perceptual knowledge could be integrated into this exemplar-based framework, with the goal of grounding language processing in perception. Finally, we illustrate how an exemplar memory system could have been used in the cultural evolution of language. The model provides evidence that an impressive amount of language processing may be bottom-up in nature, built on the storage and retrieval of individual linguistic experiences. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Data Processing for NASA's TDRSS DAMA Channel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, Christopher C.; Horan, Stephen

1996-01-01

A concept for the addition of a Demand Assignment Multiple Access (DAMA) service to NASA's current Space Network (SN) is developed. Specifically, the design of a receiver for the DAMA channel is outlined. Also, an outline of the procedures taken to process the received service request is presented. The modifications to the (SN) system are minimal. The post reception processing is accomplished using standard commercial off the shelf (COTS) packages. The result is a random access system capable of receiving requests for service.

Twelve Channel Optical Fiber Connector Assembly: From Commercial Off the Shelf to Space Flight Use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, Melaine N.

1998-01-01

The commercial off the shelf (COTS) twelve channel optical fiber MTP array connector and ribbon cable assembly is being validated for space flight use and the results of this study to date are presented here. The interconnection system implemented for the Parallel Fiber Optic Data Bus (PFODB) physical layer will include a 100/140 micron diameter optical fiber in the cable configuration among other enhancements. As part of this investigation, the COTS 62.5/125 microns optical fiber cable assembly has been characterized for space environment performance as a baseline for improving the performance of the 100/140 micron diameter ribbon cable for the Parallel FODB application. Presented here are the testing and results of random vibration and thermal environmental characterization of this commercial off the shelf (COTS) MTP twelve channel ribbon cable assembly. This paper is the first in a series of papers which will characterize and document the performance of Parallel FODB's physical layer from COTS to space flight worthy.

The Spore Coat Protein CotE Facilitates Host Colonization by Clostridium difficile

PubMed Central

Hong, Huynh A; Ferreira, William T; Hosseini, Siamand; Anwar, Saba; Hitri, Krisztina; Wilkinson, Anthony J; Vahjen, Wilfried; Zentek, Jürgen; Soloviev, Mikhail; Cutting, Simon M

2017-01-01

Abstract Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an important hospital-acquired infection resulting from the germination of spores in the intestine as a consequence of antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Key to this is CotE, a protein displayed on the spore surface and carrying 2 functional elements, an N-terminal peroxiredoxin and a C-terminal chitinase domain. Using isogenic mutants, we show in vitro and ex vivo that CotE enables binding of spores to mucus by direct interaction with mucin and contributes to its degradation. In animal models of CDI, we show that when CotE is absent, both colonization and virulence were markedly reduced. We demonstrate here that the attachment of spores to the intestine is essential in the development of CDI. Spores are usually regarded as biochemically dormant, but our findings demonstrate that rather than being simply agents of transmission and dissemination, spores directly contribute to the establishment and promotion of disease. PMID:28968845

Studies on the reactivity of [Ge9]4- towards [Fe(cot)(CO)3]: synthesis and characterization of [Ge8Fe(CO)3]3- and of the anionic organometallic species [Fe(cot)(CO)3]-.

PubMed

Zhou, Binbin; Goicoechea, Jose M

2010-09-24

Reaction of cyclooctatetraene (COT) iron(II) tricarbonyl, [Fe(cot)(CO)(3)], with one equivalent of K(4)Ge(9) in ethylenediamine (en) yielded the cluster anion [Ge(8)Fe(CO)(3)](3-) which was crystallographically-characterized as a [K(2,2,2-crypt)](+) salt in [K(2,2,2-crypt)](3)[Ge(8)Fe(CO)(3)]. The chemically-reduced organometallic species [Fe(η(3)-C(8)H(8))(CO)(3)](-) was also isolated as a side-product from this reaction as [K(2,2,2-crypt)][Fe(η(3)-C(8)H(8))(CO)(3)]. Both species were further characterized by EPR and IR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. The [Ge(8)Fe(CO)(3)](3-) cluster anion represents an unprecedented functionalized germanium Zintl anion in which the nine-atom precursor cluster has lost a vertex, which has been replaced by a transition-metal moiety.

The Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS)-1 Report 3: Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis and Management of Tubercular Uveitis: Global Trends.

PubMed

Agarwal, Aniruddha; Agrawal, Rupesh; Gunasekaran, Dinesh Visva; Raje, Dhananjay; Gupta, Bhaskar; Aggarwal, Kanika; Murthy, Somasheila L; Westcott, Mark; Chee, Soon Phaik; Mccluskey, Peter; Su Ling, Ho; Teoh, Stephen; Cimino, Luca; Biswas, Jyotirmay; Narain, Shishir; Agarwal, Manisha; Mahendradas, Padmamalini; Khairallah, Moncef; Jones, Nicholas; Tugal-Tutkun, Ilknur; Babu, Kalpana; Basu, Soumayava; Carreño, Ester; Lee, Richard; Al-Dhibi, Hassan; Bodaghi, Bahram; Invernizzi, Alessandro; Goldstein, Debra A; Herbort, Carl P; Barisani-Asenbauer, Talin; González-López, Julio J; Androudi, Sofia; Bansal, Reema; Moharana, Bruttendu; Mahajan, Sarakshi; Esposti, Simona; Tasiopoulou, Anastasia; Nadarajah, Sengal; Agarwal, Mamta; Abraham, Sharanya; Vala, Ruchi; Singh, Ramandeep; Sharma, Aman; Sharma, Kusum; Zierhut, Manfred; Kon, Onn Min; Cunningham, Emmett; Nguyen, Quan Dong; Pavesio, Carlos; Gupta, Vishali

2017-12-20

To analyze the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of ocular fluids in management of tubercular (TB) anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis. In Collaborative Ocular Tuberculosis Study (COTS)-1 (25 centers, n = 962), patients with TB-related uveitis were included. 59 patients undergoing PCR of intraocular fluids (18 females; 53 Asian Indians) were included. 59 (6.13%) of COTS-1 underwent PCR analysis. PCR was positive for Mycobacterium TB in 33 patients (23 males; all Asian Indians). 26 patients were PCR negative (18 males). Eight patients with negative PCR had systemic TB. Anti-TB therapy was given in 18 negative and 31 PCR cases. At 1-year follow-up, five patients with positive PCR (15.15%) and three with negative PCR (11.54%) had persistence/worsening of inflammation. Data from COTS-1 suggest that PCR is not commonly done for diagnosing intraocular TB and positive/negative results may not influence management or treatment outcomes in the real world scenario.

Net-centric ACT-R-Based Cognitive Architecture with DEVS Unified Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

effort has been spent in analyzing various forms of requirement specifications, viz, state-based, Natural Language based, UML-based, Rule- based, BPMN ...requirement specifications in one of the chosen formats such as BPMN , DoDAF, Natural Language Processing (NLP) based, UML- based, DSL or simply

Adaptation of the Camera Link Interface for Flight-Instrument Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Randall, David P.; Mahoney, John C.

2010-01-01

COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) hard ware using an industry-standard Camera Link interface is proposed to accomplish the task of designing, building, assembling, and testing electronics for an airborne spectrometer that would be low-cost, but sustain the required data speed and volume. The focal plane electronics were designed to support that hardware standard. Analysis was done to determine how these COTS electronics could be interfaced with space-qualified camera electronics. Interfaces available for spaceflight application do not support the industry standard Camera Link interface, but with careful design, COTS EGSE (electronics ground support equipment), including camera interfaces and camera simulators, can still be used.

Theoretical study on the anion photoelectron spectra of Ln(COT)2- including the spin-orbit effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakajo, Erika; Yabushita, Satoshi

2017-06-01

The multiplet level splittings for both anion and neutral sandwich complexes Ln(COT)2 (Ln = Ce-Yb, COT = 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene) were calculated with spin-orbit interactions to analyze their anion photoelectron spectra. The theoretically simulated spectra obtained with these energies and the pole strengths are generally consistent with the experimental spectra for the X peak. The magnitudes of the energy splittings, relative peak intensities, and their Ln dependence are reproduced. In comparison to our previous calculations, the inclusion of spin-orbit interactions with the SO-MCQDPT2 method makes the simulated spectra more consistent with the results of the experiment.

Information persistence using XML database technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Thomas A.; Lipa, Brian E. G.; Macera, Anthony R.; Staskevich, Gennady R.

2005-05-01

The Joint Battlespace Infosphere (JBI) Information Management (IM) services provide information exchange and persistence capabilities that support tailored, dynamic, and timely access to required information, enabling near real-time planning, control, and execution for DoD decision making. JBI IM services will be built on a substrate of network centric core enterprise services and when transitioned, will establish an interoperable information space that aggregates, integrates, fuses, and intelligently disseminates relevant information to support effective warfighter business processes. This virtual information space provides individual users with information tailored to their specific functional responsibilities and provides a highly tailored repository of, or access to, information that is designed to support a specific Community of Interest (COI), geographic area or mission. Critical to effective operation of JBI IM services is the implementation of repositories, where data, represented as information, is represented and persisted for quick and easy retrieval. This paper will address information representation, persistence and retrieval using existing database technologies to manage structured data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format as well as unstructured data in an IM services-oriented environment. Three basic categories of database technologies will be compared and contrasted: Relational, XML-Enabled, and Native XML. These technologies have diverse properties such as maturity, performance, query language specifications, indexing, and retrieval methods. We will describe our application of these evolving technologies within the context of a JBI Reference Implementation (RI) by providing some hopefully insightful anecdotes and lessons learned along the way. This paper will also outline future directions, promising technologies and emerging COTS products that can offer more powerful information management representations, better persistence mechanisms and improved retrieval techniques.

48 CFR 225.7003-3 - Exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., slab, wire, plate, and sheet, that have not been incorporated into end items, subsystems, assemblies... are incorporated into COTS end items, subsystems, or assemblies; (C) Commercially available high... COTS end items or subsystems (see PGI 225.7003-3(b)(6) for a table of applicability of specialty metals...

Protection of Penaeus monodon against white spot syndrome by continuous oral administration of a low concentration of Bacillus subtilis spores expressing the VP28 antigen.

PubMed

Pham, K-C; Tran, H T T; Van Doan, C; Le, P H; Van Nguyen, A T; Nguyen, H A; Hong, H A; Cutting, S M; Phan, T-N

2017-03-01

In this study, Bacillus subtilis spores expressing a chimeric protein, CotB-VP28, were used as a probiotic vaccine to protect black tiger shrimps (Penaeus monodon) against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. Oral administration of pellets coated with CotB-VP28 spores (at ≥1 × 10 9  CFU per g pellet) to shrimps induced immune-relating phenoloxydase activity (PO) in shrimps after 14 days of feeding (prior challenge) and at day 3 post challenge (1·26 and 1·70 fold increase respectively). A 75% protection rate was obtained by continuous feeding of the spore-coated pellets at ≥1 × 10 9  CFU per g for 14 days prior to WSSV challenge and during all the postchallenge period. Even when the amount of CotB-VP28 spores in feed pellets was reduced down to ≥5 × 10 7  CFU per g and ≥1 × 10 6  CFU per g, relatively high protection rates of 70 and 67·5%, respectively, were still obtained. By contrast, feeding pellets without spores (untreated group) and with naked spores (PY79 group) at ≥1 × 10 9  CFU per g could not protect shrimps against WSSV. These data suggest that supplementation of CotB-VP28 spores at low dose of ≥1 × 10 6  CFU per g could be effective as a prophylactic treatment of WSS for black tiger shrimps. This study reports the protective efficacy of Bacillus subtilis CotB-VP28 spores on black tiger shrimps (Penaeus monodon) against white spot syndrome virus infection. Oral administration of pellets coated with CotB-VP28 spores (≥1 × 10 9  CFU per g) conferred 75% protection after white spot syndrome virus challenge. Even after reducing CotB-VP28 spores in feed pellets to ≥1 × 10 6  CFU per g, 67·5% protections was still obtained. These data indicate that supplementation of CotB-VP28 spores at a low dose of ≥1 × 10 6  CFU per g could be effective in prophylaxis against white spot syndrome in black tiger shrimps. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

The first structure of a bacterial diterpene cyclase: CotB2.

PubMed

Janke, Ronja; Görner, Christian; Hirte, Max; Brück, Thomas; Loll, Bernhard

2014-06-01

Sesquiterpenes and diterpenes are a diverse class of secondary metabolites that are predominantly derived from plants and some prokaryotes. The properties of these natural products encompass antitumor, antibiotic and even insecticidal activities. Therefore, they are interesting commercial targets for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Owing to their structural complexity, these compounds are more efficiently accessed by metabolic engineering of microbial systems than by chemical synthesis. This work presents the first crystal structure of a bacterial diterpene cyclase, CotB2 from the soil bacterium Streptomyces melanosporofaciens, at 1.64 Å resolution. CotB2 is a diterpene cyclase that catalyzes the cyclization of the linear geranylgeranyl diphosphate to the tricyclic cyclooctat-9-en-7-ol. The subsequent oxidation of cyclooctat-9-en-7-ol by two cytochrome P450 monooxygenases leads to bioactive cyclooctatin. Plasticity residues that decorate the active site of CotB2 have been mutated, resulting in alternative monocyclic, dicyclic and tricyclic compounds that show bioactivity. These new compounds shed new light on diterpene cyclase reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, the product of mutant CotB2(W288G) produced the new antibiotic compound (1R,3E,7E,11S,12S)-3,7,18-dolabellatriene, which acts specifically against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This opens a sustainable route for the industrial-scale production of this bioactive compound.

Space biology initiative program definition review. Trade study 5: Modification of existing hardware (COTS) versus new hardware build cost analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, L. Neal; Crenshaw, John, Sr.; Davidson, William L.; Blacknall, Carolyn; Bilodeau, James W.; Stoval, J. Michael; Sutton, Terry

1989-01-01

The JSC Life Sciences Project Division has been directly supporting NASA Headquarters, Life Sciences Division, in the preparation of data from JSC and ARC to assist in defining the Space Biology Initiative (SBI). GE Government Services and Horizon Aerospace have provided contract support for the development and integration of review data, reports, presentations, and detailed supporting data. An SBI Definition (Non-Advocate) Review at NASA Headquarters, Code B, has been scheduled for the June-July 1989 time period. In a previous NASA Headquarters review, NASA determined that additional supporting data would be beneficial to determine the potential advantages in modifying commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware for some SBI hardware items. In order to meet the demands of program implementation planning with the definition review in late spring of 1989, the definition trade study analysis must be adjusted in scope and schedule to be complete for the SBI Definition (Non-Advocate) Review. The relative costs of modifying existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware is compared to fabricating new hardware. An historical basis for new build versus modifying COTS to meet current NMI specifications for manned space flight hardware is surveyed and identified. Selected SBI hardware are identified as potential candidates for off-the-shelf modification and statistical estimates on the relative cost of modifying COTS versus new build are provided.

Learning Additional Languages as Hierarchical Probabilistic Inference: Insights From First Language Processing.

PubMed

Pajak, Bozena; Fine, Alex B; Kleinschmidt, Dave F; Jaeger, T Florian

2016-12-01

We present a framework of second and additional language (L2/L n ) acquisition motivated by recent work on socio-indexical knowledge in first language (L1) processing. The distribution of linguistic categories covaries with socio-indexical variables (e.g., talker identity, gender, dialects). We summarize evidence that implicit probabilistic knowledge of this covariance is critical to L1 processing, and propose that L2/L n learning uses the same type of socio-indexical information to probabilistically infer latent hierarchical structure over previously learned and new languages. This structure guides the acquisition of new languages based on their inferred place within that hierarchy, and is itself continuously revised based on new input from any language. This proposal unifies L1 processing and L2/L n acquisition as probabilistic inference under uncertainty over socio-indexical structure. It also offers a new perspective on crosslinguistic influences during L2/L n learning, accommodating gradient and continued transfer (both negative and positive) from previously learned to novel languages, and vice versa.

Learning Additional Languages as Hierarchical Probabilistic Inference: Insights From First Language Processing

PubMed Central

Pajak, Bozena; Fine, Alex B.; Kleinschmidt, Dave F.; Jaeger, T. Florian

2015-01-01

We present a framework of second and additional language (L2/Ln) acquisition motivated by recent work on socio-indexical knowledge in first language (L1) processing. The distribution of linguistic categories covaries with socio-indexical variables (e.g., talker identity, gender, dialects). We summarize evidence that implicit probabilistic knowledge of this covariance is critical to L1 processing, and propose that L2/Ln learning uses the same type of socio-indexical information to probabilistically infer latent hierarchical structure over previously learned and new languages. This structure guides the acquisition of new languages based on their inferred place within that hierarchy, and is itself continuously revised based on new input from any language. This proposal unifies L1 processing and L2/Ln acquisition as probabilistic inference under uncertainty over socio-indexical structure. It also offers a new perspective on crosslinguistic influences during L2/Ln learning, accommodating gradient and continued transfer (both negative and positive) from previously learned to novel languages, and vice versa. PMID:28348442

A COTS-Based Attitude Dependent Contact Scheduling System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeGumbia, Jonathan D.; Stezelberger, Shane T.; Woodard, Mark

2006-01-01

The mission architecture of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) requires a sophisticated ground system component for scheduling the downlink of science data. Contacts between the ````````````````` satellite and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) are restricted by the limited field-of-view of the science data downlink antenna. In addition, contacts must be scheduled when permitted by the satellite s complex and non-repeating attitude profile. Complicating the matter further, the long lead-time required to schedule TDRSS services, combined with the short duration of the downlink contact opportunities, mandates accurate GLAST orbit and attitude modeling. These circumstances require the development of a scheduling system that is capable of predictively and accurately modeling not only the orbital position of GLAST but also its attitude. This paper details the methods used in the design of a Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS)-based attitude-dependent. TDRSS contact Scheduling system that meets the unique scheduling requirements of the GLAST mission, and it suggests a COTS-based scheduling approach to support future missions. The scheduling system applies filtering and smoothing algorithms to telemetered GPS data to produce high-accuracy predictive GLAST orbit ephemerides. Next, bus pointing commands from the GLAST Science Support Center are used to model the complexities of the two dynamic science gathering attitude modes. Attitude-dependent view periods are then generated between GLAST and each of the supporting TDRSs. Numerous scheduling constraints are then applied to account for various mission specific resource limitations. Next, an optimization engine is used to produce an optimized TDRSS contact schedule request which is sent to TDRSS scheduling for confirmation. Lastly, the confirmed TDRSS contact schedule is rectified with an updated ephemeris and adjusted bus pointing commands to produce a final science downlink contact schedule.

Emerging Approach of Natural Language Processing in Opinion Mining: A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Tai-Hoon

Natural language processing (NLP) is a subfield of artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. It studies the problems of automated generation and understanding of natural human languages. This paper outlines a framework to use computer and natural language techniques for various levels of learners to learn foreign languages in Computer-based Learning environment. We propose some ideas for using the computer as a practical tool for learning foreign language where the most of courseware is generated automatically. We then describe how to build Computer Based Learning tools, discuss its effectiveness, and conclude with some possibilities using on-line resources.

Initial Validation of the Prekindergarten Classroom Observation Tool and Goal Setting System for Data-Based Coaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crawford, April D.; Zucker, Tricia A.; Williams, Jeffrey M.; Bhavsar, Vibhuti; Landry, Susan H.

2013-01-01

Although coaching is a popular approach for enhancing the quality of Tier 1 instruction, limited research has addressed observational measures specifically designed to focus coaching on evidence-based practices. This study explains the development of the prekindergarten (pre-k) Classroom Observation Tool (COT) designed for use in a data-based…

An Assessment of Cost Improvements in the NASA COTS - CRS Program and Implications for Future NASA Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapata, Edgar

2017-01-01

This review brings rigorous life cycle cost (LCC) analysis into discussions about COTS program costs. We gather publicly available cost data, review the data for credibility, check for consistency among sources, and rigorously define and analyze specific cost metrics.

Technical support plan for HANDI 2000 business management system

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

Adams, D.E.

The Hanford Data Integration 2000 (HANDI 2000) Project will result in an integrated and comprehensive set of functional applications containing core information necessary to support the Project Hanford Management Contract. It is based on the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product solution with commercially proven business processes. The PassPort (PP) software is an integrated application for Accounts Payable, Contract Management, Inventory Management, and Purchasing. The PeopleSoft (PS) software is an integrated application for General Ledger, Project Costing, Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, and Training. The implementation of this set of products, as the first deliverable of the HAND1 2000 Project, is referred to asmore » Business Management System (BMS) and Chemical Management.« less

On the ability of RegCM4 regional climate model to simulate surface solar radiation patterns over Europe: an assessment using satellite-based observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandri, G.; Georgoulias, A. K.; Zanis, P.; Katragkou, E.; Tsikerdekis, A.; Kourtidis, K.; Meleti, C.

2015-11-01

In this work, we assess the ability of RegCM4 regional climate model to simulate surface solar radiation (SSR) patterns over Europe. A decadal RegCM4 run (2000-2009) was implemented and evaluated against satellite-based observations from the Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CM SAF), showing that the model simulates adequately the SSR patterns over the region. The SSR bias between RegCM4 and CM SAF is +1.5 % for MFG (Meteosat First Generation) and +3.3 % for MSG (Meteosat Second Generation) observations. The relative contribution of parameters that determine the transmission of solar radiation within the atmosphere to the deviation appearing between RegCM4 and CM SAF SSR is also examined. Cloud macrophysical and microphysical properties such as cloud fractional cover (CFC), cloud optical thickness (COT) and cloud effective radius (Re) from RegCM4 are evaluated against data from CM SAF. Generally, RegCM4 underestimates CFC by 24.3 % and Re for liquid/ice clouds by 36.1 %/28.3 % and overestimates COT by 4.3 %. The same procedure is repeated for aerosol optical properties such as aerosol optical depth (AOD), asymmetry factor (ASY) and single-scattering albedo (SSA), as well as other parameters, including surface broadband albedo (ALB) and water vapor amount (WV), using data from MACv1 aerosol climatology, from CERES satellite sensors and from ERA-Interim reanalysis. It is shown here that the good agreement between RegCM4 and satellite-based SSR observations can be partially attributed to counteracting effects among the above mentioned parameters. The potential contribution of each parameter to the RegCM4-CM SAF SSR deviations is estimated with the combined use of the aforementioned data and a~radiative transfer model (SBDART). CFC, COT and AOD are the major determinants of these deviations on a monthly basis; however, the other parameters also play an important role for specific regions and seasons. Overall, for the European domain, CFC, COT and AOD are the most important factors, since their underestimations and overestimations by RegCM4 cause an annual RegCM4-CM SAF SSR absolute deviation of 8.4, 3.8 and 4.5 %, respectively.

Intercomparisons of Marine Boundary Layer Cloud Properties from the ARM CAP-MBL Campaign and Two MODIS Cloud Products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Zhibo; Dong, Xiquan; Xi, Baike; Song, Hua; Ma, Po-Lun; Ghan, Steven J.; Platnick, Steven; Minnis, Patrick

2017-01-01

From April 2009 to December 2010, the Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program carried out an observational field campaign on Graciosa Island, targeting the marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds over the Azores region. In this paper, we present an inter-comparison of the MBL cloud properties, namely, cloud liquid water path (LWP), cloud optical thickness (COT) and cloud-droplet effective radius (CER), among retrievals from the ARM mobile facility (AMF) and two Moderate Resolution Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud products (GSFC-MODIS and CERES-MODIS). A total of 63 daytime single-layer MBL cloud cases are selected for inter-comparison. Comparison of collocated retrievals indicates that the two MODIS cloud products agree well on both COT and CER retrievals, with the correlation coefficient R greater than 0.95 despite their significant difference in spatial sampling. In both MODIS products, the CER retrievals based on the 2.1 micrometers band (CER(sub 2.1)) is significantly smaller than that based on the 3.7 micrometers band (CER(sub 3.7)). The GSFC-MODIS cloud product is collocated and compared with ground-based ARM observations at several temporal spatial scales. In general, the correlation increases with more precise collocation. For the 63 selected MBL cloud cases, the GSFC-MODIS LWP and COT retrievals agree reasonably well with the ground-based observations with no apparent bias and correlation coefficient R around 0.85 and 0.70, respectively. However, GSFC-MODIS CER(sub 3.7) and CER(sub 2.1) retrievals have a lower correlation (R is approximately 0.5) with the ground-based retrievals. For the 63 selected cases, they are on average larger than ground observations by about 1.5 micrometers and 3.0 micrometers, respectively. Taking into account that the MODIS CER retrievals are only sensitive to cloud top reduces the bias only by 0.5 micrometers.

Intercomparisons of marine boundary layer cloud properties from the ARM CAP-MBL campaign and two MODIS cloud products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhibo; Dong, Xiquan; Xi, Baike; Song, Hua; Ma, Po-Lun; Ghan, Steven J.; Platnick, Steven; Minnis, Patrick

2017-02-01

From April 2009 to December 2010, the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program carried out an observational field campaign on Graciosa Island, targeting the marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds over the Azores region. In this paper, we present an intercomparison of the MBL cloud properties, namely, cloud liquid water path (LWP), cloud optical thickness (COT), and cloud-droplet effective radius (CER), among retrievals from the ARM mobile facility and two Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud products (Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)-MODIS and Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System-MODIS). A total of 63 daytime single-layer MBL cloud cases are selected for intercomparison. Comparison of collocated retrievals indicates that the two MODIS cloud products agree well on both COT and CER retrievals, with the correlation coefficient R > 0.95, despite their significant difference in spatial sampling. In both MODIS products, the CER retrievals based on the 2.1 µm band (CER2.1) are significantly larger than those based on the 3.7 µm band (CER3.7). The GSFC-MODIS cloud product is collocated and compared with ground-based ARM observations at several temporal-spatial scales. In general, the correlation increases with more precise collocation. For the 63 selected MBL cloud cases, the GSFC-MODIS LWP and COT retrievals agree reasonably well with the ground-based observations with no apparent bias and correlation coefficient R around 0.85 and 0.70, respectively. However, GSFC-MODIS CER3.7 and CER2.1 retrievals have a lower correlation (R 0.5) with the ground-based retrievals. For the 63 selected cases, they are on average larger than ground observations by about 1.5 µm and 3.0 µm, respectively. Taking into account that the MODIS CER retrievals are only sensitive to cloud top reduces the bias only by 0.5 µm.

Transfer of preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight.

PubMed

New, K; Flenady, V; Davies, M W

2008-01-23

The use of incubators in helping to maintain a thermoneutral environment for preterm infants has become routine practice in neonatal nurseries. As one of the key criteria for discharging preterm infants from nurseries is their ability to maintain temperature; the infant will need to make the transition from incubator to open cot at some time before discharge. The timing of this transition is important because, when an infant is challenged by cold, the infant attempts to increase its heat production to maintain body temperature. The increase in energy expenditure may affect weight gain. The practice of transferring infants from incubators to open cots usually occurs once a weight of around 1700 - 1800 g has been reached; however, this practice varies widely among neonatal units. This target weight appears to be largely based on tradition or the personal experience of clinicians, with little consideration of the infant's weight or gestational age at birth. The main objective was to assess the effects on weight gain and temperature control of a policy of transferring preterm infants from incubator to open cot at lower versus higher body weight. Searches were undertaken of MEDLINE from April 2007 back to 1950, CINAHL from April 2007 back to 1982 and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2007). The title and abstract of each retrieved study were examined to assess eligibility. If there was uncertainty, the full paper was examined. Trials in which preterm infants were allocated to a policy of transfer from incubators to open cots at a lower body weight versus at a higher body weight. Quality assessments and data extraction for included trials were conducted independently by the reviewers. Data for individual trial results were analysed using relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD). Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Due to insufficient data, meta-analysis could not be undertaken. Five studies were identified as potentially eligible for inclusion in this review. Three studies were excluded as neither random nor quasi-random allocation to the exposure was employed. Two small quasi-randomised studies, involving 74 preterm infants are included in this review. These studies compared the transfer of infants to open cots at 1600 - 1700 g vs. 1800- 1900 g, and 1700 g vs. 1800 g. Data for only two prespecified outcomes could be included in this review. No statistically significant difference was shown for either return to incubator [one trial (N = 60) RR 2.00; 95% CI 0.40 to 10.11] or daily weight gain measured in g/kg/day [one trial (N = 14) MD 1.00 g/kg/day; 95% CI -2.89, 4.89]. Due to insufficient data, meta-analysis was not performed and effects on clinically important outcomes could not be adequately assessed. There is currently little evidence from randomised trials to inform practice on the preferred weight for transferring preterm infants from incubators to open cots. There is a need for larger randomised controlled trials to address this deficiency.

Shared Representations in Language Processing and Verbal Short-Term Memory: The Case of Grammatical Gender

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schweppe, Judith; Rummer, Ralf

2007-01-01

The general idea of language-based accounts of short-term memory is that retention of linguistic materials is based on representations within the language processing system. In the present sentence recall study, we address the question whether the assumption of shared representations holds for morphosyntactic information (here: grammatical gender…

Final Report on the Detection of Green Monopropellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibson, Tracy L.; DeVor, Robert W.; Bauer, Brint M.; Captain, James; Coutts, Janelle L.; Surma, Jan M.

2015-01-01

In 2014, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) funded a project titled "Familiarization and Detection of Green Monopropellants" utilizing Independent Research and Technology Development (IR&TD) and Center Innovation Fund (CIF) funding. The purpose of the project was to evaluate methods of detection for ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN). An Engineering Services Contract (ESC) task order was created with the scope of evaluation of several methods of detecting ADN- and HAN-based propellants, as well as development of methods for detection. Detection methods include developed methods such as colorimetric indicating absorbent socks, and commercial-off-the- shelf (COTS) units for ammonia detection. An additional goal of the task order was for ESC to become familiar with ADN's and HAN's material properties and material compatibility. Two approaches were initially investigated as possible methods for the detection of HAN (or AFM315E) and ADN (or LMP-103S). These approaches were colorimetric analysis and instrumentation-based COTS vapor sensors utilization. Initial testing showed that the relatively non-existent vapor pressure of the AF-M315E (of which HAN is a major component) propellant would make the use of COTS sensors difficult for real-time area monitoring of HAN; a small response was detected through the use of active COTS sensors, including the RAE Systems MultiRAE Lite and Drager X-act (registered) 5000, but the levels detected were below the threshold limit value for the toxic gas ammonia. Therefore, a detection system ased upon a colorimetric indicator impregnated into an absorbent material was developed. Preliminary analysis (ESC-245-FDG-001) identified a particularly outstanding candidate as a colorimetric indicator for the detection of the presence of AF-M315E in the form of a Methyl Red (Basic) indicator. Materials impregnated with this indicator exhibit significant color change and the materials are not susceptible to interference from exposure to water or carbon dioxide. The completed detection system for HAN/AF-M315E consists of absorbent socks packed with Fisher Universal Spill Absorbent capable of absorbing and containing any propellant spills that they come into contact with along with indicating wipes. The absorbent socks are also chemically treated with a Methyl Red (Basic) indicator solution to provide the end user with a visual indication that a leak has occurred and proper protective precautions must be undertaken. An added benefit of this detection system is that the absorbent socks should neutralize/absorb any commodity that it comes into contact with (until saturation is reached). Additional adsorbent socks can be deployed until a color change is not seen, indicating that the HAN/AF-M315E contamination has been contained. The indicating wipes provide the user the opportunity to wipe surfaces to determine if there is any HAN/AF-M315E or HAN/AFM315E residue present. The wipes should allow the detection of fuel levels that may be too small to detect with the absorbent socks. The development of a detection system for the ADN/LMP-103S focused on the use of various COTS sensors used as real-time area monitoring devices and personal dosimeters. These COTS based sensor systems were of several different types, including both actively pumped and diffusion-based passive systems, as well as a "rope"-type chemical sensing cable. The results highlighted some of the major differences between the two monopropellants undergoing evaluation. Unlike HAN, ADN (which is the major constituent of LMP-103S) exhibits a much more volatile nature in comparison to AF-M315E. In fact, testing showed that a large percentage of the fuel was lost during the sampling measurement (greater than 10 percent by mass); although this testing cannot tell if the volatile component is the ADN itself or another component of the monopropellant solution. Not surprisingly, all four of the procured vapor-based COTS sensors showed positive results when exposed to solutions of the LMP-103S (ESC-245-FDG-002). The completed detection system for ADN/LMP-103S consists of a combination of two of the tested COTS sensor systems, the RAE Systems MultiRAE Lite and the BW Technologies GasAlert Extreme. These systems are meant to be used in conjunction with one another, which allows for the end-user to have both real-time area monitoring (MultiRAE Lite) as well as a personal dosimeter device (GasAlert Extreme) which can be worn as additional personal protective equipment. An stainless steel extension wand was fabricated and included in the detection system for the MultiRAE Lite to allow for more remote sensing, and connects via the active pumping inlet of the sensor. As stated, the final results of this testing resulted in the production of two "kits" which can be used for the detection of HAN/AF-M315E and ADN/LMP-103s (ESC-245-FDG-003).

Smart and Green Energy (SAGE) for Base Camps Final Report

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

Engels, Matthias; Boyd, Paul A.; Koehler, Theresa M.

2014-02-11

The U.S. Army Logistics Innovation Agency’s (LIA’s) Smart and Green Energy (SAGE) for Base Camps project was to investigate how base camps’ fuel consumption can be reduced by 30% to 60% using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies for power generation, renewables, and energy efficient building systems. Field tests and calibrated energy models successfully demonstrated that the fuel reductions are achievable.

COTS Initiative Panel Discussion

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-13

L-R: Alan Lindenmoyer, Manager of Commercial Crew and Cargo Program, NASA; Gwynne Shotwell, President, SpaceX; Frank Culbertson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Orbital Sciences Advanced Programs Group; Frank Slazer, Vice President of Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association and Phil McAlister, Director of Commercial Spaceflight Development at NASA, participate in a panel discussion on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Through COTS, NASA's partners Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and Orbital Sciences Corp., developed new U.S. rockets and spacecraft, launched from U.S. soil, capable of transporting cargo to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jay Westcott)

Large-scale evaluation of multimodal biometric authentication using state-of-the-art systems.

PubMed

Snelick, Robert; Uludag, Umut; Mink, Alan; Indovina, Michael; Jain, Anil

2005-03-01

We examine the performance of multimodal biometric authentication systems using state-of-the-art Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) fingerprint and face biometric systems on a population approaching 1,000 individuals. The majority of prior studies of multimodal biometrics have been limited to relatively low accuracy non-COTS systems and populations of a few hundred users. Our work is the first to demonstrate that multimodal fingerprint and face biometric systems can achieve significant accuracy gains over either biometric alone, even when using highly accurate COTS systems on a relatively large-scale population. In addition to examining well-known multimodal methods, we introduce new methods of normalization and fusion that further improve the accuracy.

[Language Functions in the Frontal Association Area: Brain Mechanisms That Create Language].

PubMed

Yamamoto, Kayako; Sakai, Kuniyoshi L

2016-11-01

Broca's area is known to be critically involved in language processing for more than 150 years. Recent neuroimaging techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion MRI, enabled the subdivision of Broca's area based on both functional and anatomical aspects. Networks among the frontal association areas, especially the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and other cortical regions in the temporal/parietal association areas, are also important for language-related information processing. Here, we review how neuroimaging studies, combined with research paradigms based on theoretical linguistics, have contributed to clarifying the critical roles of the left IFG in syntactic processing and those of language-related networks, including cortical and cerebellar regions.

Six years of surface remote sensing of stratiform warm clouds in marine and continental air over Mace Head, Ireland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Preißler, Jana; Martucci, Giovanni; Saponaro, Giulia; Ovadnevaite, Jurgita; Vaishya, Aditya; Kolmonen, Pekka; Ceburnis, Darius; Sogacheva, Larisa; de Leeuw, Gerrit; O'Dowd, Colin

2016-12-01

A total of 118 stratiform water clouds were observed by ground-based remote sensing instruments at the Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station on the west coast of Ireland from 2009 to 2015. Microphysical and optical characteristics of these clouds were studied as well as the impact of aerosols on these properties. Microphysical and optical cloud properties were derived using the algorithm SYRSOC (SYnergistic Remote Sensing Of Clouds). Ground-based in situ measurements of aerosol concentrations and the transport path of air masses at cloud level were investigated as well. The cloud properties were studied in dependence of the prevailing air mass at cloud level and season. We found higher cloud droplet number concentrations (CDNC) and smaller effective radii (reff) with greater pollution. Median CDNC ranged from 60 cm-3 in marine air masses to 160 cm-3 in continental air. Median reff ranged from 8 μm in polluted conditions to 10 μm in marine air. Effective droplet size distributions were broader in marine than in continental cases. Cloud optical thickness (COT) and albedo were lower in cleaner air masses and higher in more polluted conditions, with medians ranging from 2.1 to 4.9 and 0.22 to 0.39, respectively. However, calculation of COT and albedo was strongly affected by liquid water path (LWP) and departure from adiabatic conditions. A comparison of SYRSOC results with MODIS (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) observations showed large differences for LWP and COT but good agreement for reff with a linear fit with slope near 1 and offset of -1 μm.

Projection display technology for avionics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalmanash, Michael H.; Tompkins, Richard D.

2000-08-01

Avionics displays often require custom image sources tailored to demanding program needs. Flat panel devices are attractive for cockpit installations, however recent history has shown that it is not possible to sustain a business manufacturing custom flat panels in small volume specialty runs. As the number of suppliers willing to undertake this effort shrinks, avionics programs unable to utilize commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) flat panels are placed in serious jeopardy. Rear projection technology offers a new paradigm, enabling compact systems to be tailored to specific platform needs while using a complement of COTS components. Projection displays enable improved performance, lower cost and shorter development cycles based on inter-program commonality and the wide use of commercial components. This paper reviews the promise and challenges of projection technology and provides an overview of Kaiser Electronics' efforts in developing advanced avionics displays using this approach.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus strain Deutsch, whole genome shotgun sequencing project first submission of genome sequence

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The size and repetitive nature of the Rhipicephalus microplus genome makes obtaining a full genome sequence difficult. Cot filtration/selection techniques were used to reduce the repetitive fraction of the tick genome and enrich for the fraction of DNA with gene-containing regions. The Cot-selected ...

C3I Systems Acquisition and Maintenance in Relation to the use of COTS Products

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-12-01

the NATO C3 Agency and crypto equipment. * the GFE STARGATE Software subsystem (the prototyped version of which, developed by IAF, Surveillance fctid...been increasing and dual-use systems (ACCAM, ICC, AOIS, STARGATE and re-use potentials have been enhanced. WAN connections) Use of COTS information

Sound Change and Mobility in Los Angeles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Lawrence

1975-01-01

Deals with the shift of the low-back vowel as in 'caught' to a low-central vowel as in 'cot' thereby merging such pairs as caught/cot, dawn/Don, and stalk/stock. The causes and the sociolinguistic implications of this shift are discussed. The majority of the informants were from West Los Angeles. (TL)

2011 Census of Technology: Missouri Schools K-12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2012

2012-01-01

The Census of Technology (COT) is designed to assess Missouri's continuing investment in K-12 education technologies. The COT provides important data for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to share with state and national decision-makers to help advance public policy and increase public awareness and support for education…

Immune responses induced by recombinant Bacillus subtilis expressing the spike protein of transmissible gastroenteritis virus in pigs.

PubMed

Mou, Chunxiao; Zhu, Liqi; Xing, Xianping; Lin, Jian; Yang, Qian

2016-07-01

Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) causes severe diarrhea in suckling piglets, results in enormous economic loss in swine-producing areas of the world. To develop an effective, safe, and convenient vaccine for the prevention of TGE, we have constructed a recombinant Bacillus subtilis strain (B. subtilis CotGSG) displaying the transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) spike (S) protein and discussed its immune function to intestinal submucosal dendritic cells (DCs). Our results showed that the recombinant B. subtilis had the ability to recruit more DCs to sample B. subtilis CotGSG, migrate to MLNs, and induce immune responses. Immunized piglets with B. subtilis CotGSG could significantly elevate the specific SIgA titers in feces, IgG titers and neutralizing antibodies in serum. Collectively, our results suggested that recombinant B. subtilis CotGSG expressing the TGEV S protein could effectively induce immune responses via DCs, and provided a perspective on potential novel strategy and approach that may be applicable to the development of the next generation of TGEV vaccines. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bonding nature and electron delocalization of An(COT)2, An = Th, Pa, U.

PubMed

Páez-Hernández, Dayán; Murillo-López, Juliana A; Arratia-Pérez, Ramiro

2011-08-18

A systematic study of a series of An(COT)(2) compounds, where An = Th, Pa, U, and COT represents cyclooctatetraene, has been performed using relativistic density functional theory. The ZORA Hamiltonian was applied for the inclusion of relativistic effects, taking into account all of the electrons for the optimization and explicitly including spin-orbit coupling effects. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was used to calculate the excitation energies with the GGA SAOP functional, and the electronic transitions were analyzed using double group irreducible representations. The calculated excitation energies are in perfect correlation with the increment of the ring delocalization as it increases along the actinide series. These results are sufficient to ensure that, for these complexes, the increment in delocalization, as indicated by ELF bifurcation and NICS analysis, leads to a shift in the maximum wavelength of absorption in the visible region. Also, delocalization in the COT ring increases along the actinide series, so the systems become more aromatic because of a modulation induced by the actinides. © 2011 American Chemical Society

The Scope of Usage-Based Theory

PubMed Central

Ibbotson, Paul

2013-01-01

Usage-based approaches typically draw on a relatively small set of cognitive processes, such as categorization, analogy, and chunking to explain language structure and function. The goal of this paper is to first review the extent to which the “cognitive commitment” of usage-based theory has had success in explaining empirical findings across domains, including language acquisition, processing, and typology. We then look at the overall strengths and weaknesses of usage-based theory and highlight where there are significant debates. Finally, we draw special attention to a set of culturally generated structural patterns that seem to lie beyond the explanation of core usage-based cognitive processes. In this context we draw a distinction between cognition permitting language structure vs. cognition entailing language structure. As well as addressing the need for greater clarity on the mechanisms of generalizations and the fundamental units of grammar, we suggest that integrating culturally generated structures within existing cognitive models of use will generate tighter predictions about how language works. PMID:23658552

Impacts of ocean acidification on early life-history stages and settlement of the coral-eating sea star Acanthaster planci.

PubMed

Uthicke, Sven; Pecorino, Danilo; Albright, Rebecca; Negri, Andrew Peter; Cantin, Neal; Liddy, Michelle; Dworjanyn, Symon; Kamya, Pamela; Byrne, Maria; Lamare, Miles

2013-01-01

Coral reefs are marine biodiversity hotspots, but their existence is threatened by global change and local pressures such as land-runoff and overfishing. Population explosions of coral-eating crown of thorns sea stars (COTS) are a major contributor to recent decline in coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef. Here, we investigate how projected near-future ocean acidification (OA) conditions can affect early life history stages of COTS, by investigating important milestones including sperm motility, fertilisation rates, and larval development and settlement. OA (increased pCO2 to 900-1200 µatm pCO2) significantly reduced sperm motility and, to a lesser extent, velocity, which strongly reduced fertilization rates at environmentally relevant sperm concentrations. Normal development of 10 d old larvae was significantly lower under elevated pCO2 but larval size was not significantly different between treatments. Settlement of COTS larvae was significantly reduced on crustose coralline algae (known settlement inducers of COTS) that had been exposed to OA conditions for 85 d prior to settlement assays. Effect size analyses illustrated that reduced settlement may be the largest bottleneck for overall juvenile production. Results indicate that reductions in fertilisation and settlement success alone would reduce COTS population replenishment by over 50%. However, it is unlikely that this effect is sufficient to provide respite for corals from other negative anthropogenic impacts and direct stress from OA and warming on corals.

Theoretical Study on the Photoelectron Spectra of Ln(COT)2-: Lanthanide Dependence of the Metal-Ligand Interaction.

PubMed

Nakajo, Erika; Masuda, Tomohide; Yabushita, Satoshi

2016-12-08

We have performed a theoretical analysis of the recently reported photoelectron (PE) spectra of the series of sandwich complex anions Ln(COT) 2 - (Ln = La-Lu, COT = 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene), focusing on the Ln dependence of the vertical detachment energies. For most Ln, the π molecular orbitals, largely localized on the COT ligands, have the energy order of e 1g < e 1u < e 2g < e 2u as in the actinide analogues, reflecting the substantial orbital interaction with the Ln 5d and 5p orbitals. Thus, it would be expected that the lanthanide contraction would increase the orbital interaction so that the overlaps between the COT π and Ln atomic orbitals tend to increase across the series. However, the PE spectra and theoretical calculations were not consistent with this expectation, and the details have been clarified in this study. Furthermore, the energy level splitting patterns of the anion and neutral complexes have been studied by multireference ab initio methods, and the X peak splittings observed in the PE spectra only for the middle-range Ln complexes were found to be due to the specific interaction between the Ln 4f and ligand π orbitals of the neutral complexes in e 2u symmetry. Because the magnitude of this 4f-ligand interaction depends critically on the final state 4f electron configuration and the spin state, a significant Ln dependence in the PE spectra is explained.

Mask cost of ownership for advanced lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzio, Edward G.; Seidel, Philip K.

2000-07-01

As technology advances, becoming more difficult and more expensive, the cost of ownership (CoO) metric becomes increasingly important in evaluating technical strategies. The International SEMATECH CoC analysis has steadily gained visibility over the past year, as it attempts to level the playing field between technology choices, and create a fair relative comparison. In order to predict mask cots for advanced lithography, mask process flows are modeled using bets-known processing strategies, equipment cost, and yields. Using a newly revised yield mode, and updated mask manufacture flows, representative mask flows can be built. These flows are then used to calculate mask costs for advanced lithography down to the 50 nm node. It is never the goal of this type of work to provide absolute cost estimates for business planning purposes. However, the combination of a quantifiable yield model with a clearly defined set of mask processing flows and a cost model based upon them serves as an excellent starting point for cost driver analysis and process flow discussion.

Thinking About Multiword Constructions: Usage-Based Approaches to Acquisition and Processing.

PubMed

Ellis, Nick C; Ogden, Dave C

2017-07-01

Usage-based approaches to language hold that we learn multiword expressions as patterns of language from language usage, and that knowledge of these patterns underlies fluent language processing. This paper explores these claims by focusing upon verb-argument constructions (VACs) such as "V(erb) about n(oun phrase)." These are productive constructions that bind syntax, lexis, and semantics. It presents (a) analyses of usage patterns of English VACs in terms of their grammatical form, semantics, lexical constituency, and distribution patterns in large corpora; (b) patterns of VAC usage in child-directed speech and child language acquisition; and (c) investigations of VAC free-association and psycholinguistic studies of online processing. We conclude that VACs are highly patterned in usage, that this patterning drives language acquisition, and that language processing is sensitive to the forms of the syntagmatic construction and their distributional statistics, the contingency of their association with meaning, and spreading activation and prototypicality effects in semantic reference. Language users have rich implicit knowledge of the statistics of multiword sequences. Copyright © 2017 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

BCL11B enhances TCR/CD28-triggered NF-kappaB activation through up-regulation of Cot kinase gene expression in T-lymphocytes.

PubMed

Cismasiu, Valeriu B; Duque, Javier; Paskaleva, Elena; Califano, Danielle; Ghanta, Sailaja; Young, Howard A; Avram, Dorina

2009-01-15

BCL11B is a transcriptional regulator with an important role in T-cell development and leukaemogenesis. We demonstrated recently that BCL11B controls expression from the IL (interleukin)-2 promoter through direct binding to the US1 (upstream site 1). In the present study, we provide evidence that BCL11B also participates in the activation of IL-2 gene expression by enhancing NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) activity in the context of TCR (T-cell receptor)/CD28-triggered T-cell activation. Enhanced NF-kappaB activation is not a consequence of BCL11B binding to the NF-kappaB response elements or association with the NF-kappaB-DNA complexes, but rather the result of higher translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus caused by enhanced degradation of IkappaB (inhibitor of NF-kappaB). The enhanced IkappaB degradation in cells with increased levels of BCL11B was specific for T-cells activated through the TCR, but not for cells activated through TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha) or UV light, and was caused by increased activity of IkappaB kinase, as indicated by its increase in phosphorylation. As BCL11B is a transcription factor, we investigated whether the expression of genes upstream of IkappaB kinase in the TCR/CD28 signalling pathway was affected by increased BCL11B expression, and found that Cot (cancer Osaka thyroid oncogene) kinase mRNA levels were elevated. Cot kinase is known to promote enhanced IkappaB kinase activity, which results in the phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB and activation of NF-kappaB. The implied involvement of Cot kinase in BCL11B-mediated NF-kappaB activation in response to TCR activation is supported by the fact that a Cot kinase dominant-negative mutant or Cot kinase siRNA (small interfering RNA) knockdown blocked BCL11B-mediated NF-kappaB activation. In support of our observations, in the present study we report that BCL11B enhances the expression of several other NF-kappaB target genes, in addition to IL-2. In addition, we provide evidence that BCL11B associates with intron 2 of the Cot kinase gene to regulate its expression.

TOWARDS A MULTI-SCALE AGENT-BASED PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE METHODOLOGY

PubMed Central

Somogyi, Endre; Hagar, Amit; Glazier, James A.

2017-01-01

Living tissues are dynamic, heterogeneous compositions of objects, including molecules, cells and extra-cellular materials, which interact via chemical, mechanical and electrical process and reorganize via transformation, birth, death and migration processes. Current programming language have difficulty describing the dynamics of tissues because: 1: Dynamic sets of objects participate simultaneously in multiple processes, 2: Processes may be either continuous or discrete, and their activity may be conditional, 3: Objects and processes form complex, heterogeneous relationships and structures, 4: Objects and processes may be hierarchically composed, 5: Processes may create, destroy and transform objects and processes. Some modeling languages support these concepts, but most cannot translate models into executable simulations. We present a new hybrid executable modeling language paradigm, the Continuous Concurrent Object Process Methodology (CCOPM) which naturally expresses tissue models, enabling users to visually create agent-based models of tissues, and also allows computer simulation of these models. PMID:29282379

TOWARDS A MULTI-SCALE AGENT-BASED PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE METHODOLOGY.

PubMed

Somogyi, Endre; Hagar, Amit; Glazier, James A

2016-12-01

Living tissues are dynamic, heterogeneous compositions of objects , including molecules, cells and extra-cellular materials, which interact via chemical, mechanical and electrical process and reorganize via transformation, birth, death and migration processes . Current programming language have difficulty describing the dynamics of tissues because: 1: Dynamic sets of objects participate simultaneously in multiple processes, 2: Processes may be either continuous or discrete, and their activity may be conditional, 3: Objects and processes form complex, heterogeneous relationships and structures, 4: Objects and processes may be hierarchically composed, 5: Processes may create, destroy and transform objects and processes. Some modeling languages support these concepts, but most cannot translate models into executable simulations. We present a new hybrid executable modeling language paradigm, the Continuous Concurrent Object Process Methodology ( CCOPM ) which naturally expresses tissue models, enabling users to visually create agent-based models of tissues, and also allows computer simulation of these models.

The neurophysiology of language processing shapes the evolution of grammar: evidence from case marking.

PubMed

Bickel, Balthasar; Witzlack-Makarevich, Alena; Choudhary, Kamal K; Schlesewsky, Matthias; Bornkessel-Schlesewsky, Ina

2015-01-01

Do principles of language processing in the brain affect the way grammar evolves over time or is language change just a matter of socio-historical contingency? While the balance of evidence has been ambiguous and controversial, we identify here a neurophysiological constraint on the processing of language that has a systematic effect on the evolution of how noun phrases are marked by case (i.e. by such contrasts as between the English base form she and the object form her). In neurophysiological experiments across diverse languages we found that during processing, participants initially interpret the first base-form noun phrase they hear (e.g. she…) as an agent (which would fit a continuation like … greeted him), even when the sentence later requires the interpretation of a patient role (as in … was greeted). We show that this processing principle is also operative in Hindi, a language where initial base-form noun phrases most commonly denote patients because many agents receive a special case marker ("ergative") and are often left out in discourse. This finding suggests that the principle is species-wide and independent of the structural affordances of specific languages. As such, the principle favors the development and maintenance of case-marking systems that equate base-form cases with agents rather than with patients. We confirm this evolutionary bias by statistical analyses of phylogenetic signals in over 600 languages worldwide, controlling for confounding effects from language contact. Our findings suggest that at least one core property of grammar systematically adapts in its evolution to the neurophysiological conditions of the brain, independently of socio-historical factors. This opens up new avenues for understanding how specific properties of grammar have developed in tight interaction with the biological evolution of our species.

Object-oriented models of cognitive processing.

PubMed

Mather, G

2001-05-01

Information-processing models of vision and cognition are inspired by procedural programming languages. Models that emphasize object-based representations are closely related to object-oriented programming languages. The concepts underlying object-oriented languages provide a theoretical framework for cognitive processing that differs markedly from that offered by procedural languages. This framework is well-suited to a system designed to deal flexibly with discrete objects and unpredictable events in the world.

48 CFR 12.505 - Applicability of certain laws to contracts for the acquisition of COTS items.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Applicability of Certain Laws to the Acquisition of Commercial Items and Commercially Available Off-The-Shelf... are a subset of commercial items. Therefore, any laws listed in sections 12.503 and 12.504 are also... laws to contracts for the acquisition of COTS items. 12.505 Section 12.505 Federal Acquisition...

Validation of the Common Objects Token (COT) Test for Children with Cochlear Implants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Ilona; Martin, Jane; Costa, Anne; Jamieson, Lyn; Bailey, Elspeth; Plant, Geoff; Pitterl, Markus

2005-01-01

Changes in selection criteria have meant that children are being provided with cochlear implants (CI) at increasingly younger ages. However, there is a paucity of measures that are appropriate for testing complex listening skills--most tests are too cognitively complex for such young children. The Common Objects Token (COT) Test was developed as a…

Chemical Operations Technology Curriculum Development Project. PY95 Final Detailed Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas State Technical Coll., Marshall.

A model curriculum for an associate of applied science degree in chemical operations technology (COT) was developed at Texas State Technical College in Marshall, Texas. First, a comprehensive analysis of the local and statewide labor market demand for trained personnel in the advanced field of COT was conducted. Next, a comprehensive task analysis…

Rebreathing expired gases from bedding: a cause of cot death?

PubMed Central

Bolton, D P; Taylor, B J; Campbell, A J; Galland, B C; Cresswell, C

1993-01-01

The reported association of cot death and sleeping prone could be due to rebreathing of expired gases. A mechanical model simulating the respiratory system of an infant, exhaling warm humidified air with an end tidal carbon dioxide of 5%, has been used to investigate this. Some commonly used bedding materials caused an accumulation of carbon dioxide of 7% to over 10% with the model lying face down. This phenomenon persisted even with the head inclined at 45 degrees, but only on very soft materials, and could be a cause of cot death in a baby unresponsive to asphyxial blood gas changes. A coir fibre mattress allowed complete dispersal of exhalate as did a rubber sheet between any mattress and the covering sheet. PMID:8215518

Optical fiber technology for space: challenges of development and qualification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goepel, Michael

2017-11-01

Using fiber optical components and assemblies for space flight applications brings several challenges for the design and the qualification process. Good knowledge of the system and environmental requirements is needed to derive design decisions and select suitable components for the fiber optical subsystem. Furthermore, the manufacturing process and integration limitations are providing additional constraints, which have to be considered at the beginning of the design phase. Besides Commercial off the shelf (COTS) components, custom made parts are often necessary.

KSC-2012-2847

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-05-17

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to roll the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket out of the processing facility to the pad at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff with the SpaceX Dragon capsule aboard is set for 4:55 a.m. EDT on May 19. The launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Integration experiences and performance studies of A COTS parallel archive systems

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

Chen, Hsing-bung; Scott, Cody; Grider, Bary

2010-01-01

Current and future Archive Storage Systems have been asked to (a) scale to very high bandwidths, (b) scale in metadata performance, (c) support policy-based hierarchical storage management capability, (d) scale in supporting changing needs of very large data sets, (e) support standard interface, and (f) utilize commercial-off-the-shelf(COTS) hardware. Parallel file systems have been asked to do the same thing but at one or more orders of magnitude faster in performance. Archive systems continue to move closer to file systems in their design due to the need for speed and bandwidth, especially metadata searching speeds such as more caching and lessmore » robust semantics. Currently the number of extreme highly scalable parallel archive solutions is very small especially those that will move a single large striped parallel disk file onto many tapes in parallel. We believe that a hybrid storage approach of using COTS components and innovative software technology can bring new capabilities into a production environment for the HPC community much faster than the approach of creating and maintaining a complete end-to-end unique parallel archive software solution. In this paper, we relay our experience of integrating a global parallel file system and a standard backup/archive product with a very small amount of additional code to provide a scalable, parallel archive. Our solution has a high degree of overlap with current parallel archive products including (a) doing parallel movement to/from tape for a single large parallel file, (b) hierarchical storage management, (c) ILM features, (d) high volume (non-single parallel file) archives for backup/archive/content management, and (e) leveraging all free file movement tools in Linux such as copy, move, ls, tar, etc. We have successfully applied our working COTS Parallel Archive System to the current world's first petaflop/s computing system, LANL's Roadrunner, and demonstrated its capability to address requirements of future archival storage systems.« less

Integration experiments and performance studies of a COTS parallel archive system

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

Chen, Hsing-bung; Scott, Cody; Grider, Gary

2010-06-16

Current and future Archive Storage Systems have been asked to (a) scale to very high bandwidths, (b) scale in metadata performance, (c) support policy-based hierarchical storage management capability, (d) scale in supporting changing needs of very large data sets, (e) support standard interface, and (f) utilize commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. Parallel file systems have been asked to do the same thing but at one or more orders of magnitude faster in performance. Archive systems continue to move closer to file systems in their design due to the need for speed and bandwidth, especially metadata searching speeds such as more caching andmore » less robust semantics. Currently the number of extreme highly scalable parallel archive solutions is very small especially those that will move a single large striped parallel disk file onto many tapes in parallel. We believe that a hybrid storage approach of using COTS components and innovative software technology can bring new capabilities into a production environment for the HPC community much faster than the approach of creating and maintaining a complete end-to-end unique parallel archive software solution. In this paper, we relay our experience of integrating a global parallel file system and a standard backup/archive product with a very small amount of additional code to provide a scalable, parallel archive. Our solution has a high degree of overlap with current parallel archive products including (a) doing parallel movement to/from tape for a single large parallel file, (b) hierarchical storage management, (c) ILM features, (d) high volume (non-single parallel file) archives for backup/archive/content management, and (e) leveraging all free file movement tools in Linux such as copy, move, Is, tar, etc. We have successfully applied our working COTS Parallel Archive System to the current world's first petafiop/s computing system, LANL's Roadrunner machine, and demonstrated its capability to address requirements of future archival storage systems.« less

In situ formed catalytically active ruthenium nanocatalyst in room temperature dehydrogenation/dehydrocoupling of ammonia-borane from Ru(cod)(cot) precatalyst.

PubMed

Zahmakiran, Mehmet; Ayvalı, Tuğçe; Philippot, Karine

2012-03-20

The development of simply prepared and effective catalytic materials for dehydrocoupling/dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane (AB; NH(3)BH(3)) under mild conditions remains a challenge in the field of hydrogen economy and material science. Reported herein is the discovery of in situ generated ruthenium nanocatalyst as a new catalytic system for this important reaction. They are formed in situ during the dehydrogenation of AB in THF at 25 °C in the absence of any stabilizing agent starting with homogeneous Ru(cod)(cot) precatalyst (cod = 1,5-η(2)-cyclooctadiene; cot = 1,3,5-η(3)-cyclooctatriene). The preliminary characterization of the reaction solutions and the products was done by using ICP-OES, ATR-IR, TEM, XPS, ZC-TEM, GC, EA, and (11)B, (15)N, and (1)H NMR, which reveal that ruthenium nanocatalyst is generated in situ during the dehydrogenation of AB from homogeneous Ru(cod)(cot) precatalyst and B-N polymers formed at the initial stage of the catalytic reaction take part in the stabilization of this ruthenium nanocatalyst. Moreover, following the recently updated approach (Bayram, E.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2011, 133, 18889) by performing Hg(0), CS(2) poisoning experiments, nanofiltration, time-dependent TEM analyses, and kinetic investigation of active catalyst formation to distinguish single metal or in the present case subnanometer Ru(n) cluster-based catalysis from polymetallic Ru(0)(n) nanoparticle catalysis reveals that in situ formed Ru(n) clusters (not Ru(0)(n) nanoparticles) are kinetically dominant catalytically active species in our catalytic system. The resulting ruthenium catalyst provides 120 total turnovers over 5 h with an initial turnover frequency (TOF) value of 35 h(-1) at room temperature with the generation of more than 1.0 equiv H(2) at the complete conversion of AB to polyaminoborane (PAB; [NH(2)BH(2)](n)) and polyborazylene (PB; [NHBH](n)) units.

Space Suit Electrocardiographic Electrode Selection: Are commercial electrodes better than the old Apollo technology?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Redmond, M.; Polk, J. D.; Hamilton, D.; Schuette, M.; Guttromson, J.; Guess, T.; Smith, B.

2005-01-01

The NASA Manned Space Program uses an electrocardiograph (ECG) system to monitor astronauts during extravehicular activity (EVA). This ECG system, called the Operational Bioinstrumentation System (OBS), was developed during the Apollo era. Throughout the Shuttle program these electrodes experienced failures during several EVAs performed from the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) airlocks. An attempt during Shuttle Flight STS-109 to replace the old electrodes with new commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) disposable electrodes proved unsuccessful. One assumption for failure of the STS-109 COTS electrodes was the expansion of trapped gases under the foam electrode pad, causing the electrode to be displaced from the skin. Given that our current electrodes provide insufficient reliability, a number of COTS ECG electrodes were tested at the NASA Altitude Manned Chamber Test Facility. Methods: OBS disposable electrodes were tested on human test subjects in an altitude chamber simulating an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) operating pressure of 4.3 psia with the following goals: (1) to confirm the root cause of the flight certified, disposable electrode failure during flight STS-109. (2) to identify an adequate COTS replacement electrode and determine if further modifications to the electrodes are required. (3) to evaluate the adhesion of each disposable electrode without preparation of the skin with isopropyl alcohol. Results: There were several electrodes that failed the pressure testing at 4.3psia, including the electrodes used during flight STS-109. Two electrodes functioned well throughout all testing and were selected for further testing in an EMU at altitude. A vent hole placed in all electrodes was also tested as a possible solution to prevent gas expansion from causing electrode failures. Conclusions: Two failure modes were identified: (1) foam-based porous electrodes entrapped air bubbles under the pad (2) poor adhesion caused some electrodes to fail

Development of Secondary Archive System at Goddard Space Flight Center Version 0 Distributed Active Archive Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sherman, Mark; Kodis, John; Bedet, Jean-Jacques; Wacker, Chris; Woytek, Joanne; Lynnes, Chris

1996-01-01

The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) version 0 Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) has been developed to support existing and pre Earth Observing System (EOS) Earth science datasets, facilitate the scientific research, and test EOS data and information system (EOSDIS) concepts. To ensure that no data is ever lost, each product received at GSFC DAAC is archived on two different media, VHS and digital linear tape (DLT). The first copy is made on VHS tape and is under the control of UniTree. The second and third copies are made to DLT and VHS media under a custom built software package named 'Archer'. While Archer provides only a subset of the functions available with commercial software like UniTree, it supports migration between near-line and off-line media and offers much greater performance and flexibility to satisfy the specific needs of a data center. Archer is specifically designed to maximize total system throughput, rather than focusing on the turn-around time for individual files. The commercial off the shelf software (COTS) hierarchical storage management (HSM) products evaluated were mainly concerned with transparent, interactive, file access to the end-user, rather than a batch-orientated, optimizable (based on known data file characteristics) data archive and retrieval system. This is critical to the distribution requirements of the GSFC DAAC where orders for 5000 or more files at a time are received. Archer has the ability to queue many thousands of file requests and to sort these requests into internal processing schedules that optimize overall throughput. Specifically, mount and dismount, tape load and unload cycles, and tape motion are minimized. This feature did not seem to be available in many COTS pacages. Archer also uses a generic tar tape format that allows tapes to be read by many different systems rather than the proprietary format found in most COTS packages. This paper discusses some of the specific requirements at GSFC DAAC, the motivations for implementing the Archer system, and presents a discussion of the Archer design that resulted.

The Role of the Auditory Brainstem in Processing Linguistically-Relevant Pitch Patterns

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krishnan, Ananthanarayan; Gandour, Jackson T.

2009-01-01

Historically, the brainstem has been neglected as a part of the brain involved in language processing. We review recent evidence of language-dependent effects in pitch processing based on comparisons of native vs. nonnative speakers of a tonal language from electrophysiological recordings in the auditory brainstem. We argue that there is enhancing…

Relationships between Language Background, Secondary School Scores, Tutorial Group Processes, and Students' Academic Achievement in PBL: Testing a Causal Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singaram, Veena S.; van der Vleuten, Cees P. M; Muijtjens, Arno M. M.; Dolmans, Diana H. J. M

2012-01-01

Little is known about the influence of language background in problem-based learning (PBL) tutorial groups on group processes and students' academic achievement. This study investigated the relationship between language background, secondary school score, tutorial group processes, and students' academic achievement in PBL. A validated tutorial…

Evaluation of NCAR CAM5 Simulated Marine Boundary Layer Cloud Properties Using a Combination of Satellite and Surface Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Song, H.; Wang, M.; Ghan, S. J.; Dong, X.

2016-12-01

he main objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the MBL cloud properties simulated in CAM5 family models using a combination of satellite-based CloudSat/MODIS observations and ground-based observations from the ARM Azores site, with a special focus on MBL cloud microphysics and warm rain process. First, we will present a global evaluation based on satellite observations and retrievals. We will compare global cloud properties (e.g., cloud fraction, cloud vertical structure, cloud CER, COT, and LWP, as well as drizzle frequency and intensity diagnosed using the CAM5-COSP instrumental simulators) simulated in the CAM5 models with the collocated CloudSat and MODIS observations. We will also present some preliminary results from a regional evaluation based mainly on ground observations from ARM Azores site. We will compare MBL cloud properties simulated in CAM5 models over the ARM Azores site with collocated satellite (MODIS and CloudSat) and ground-based observations from the ARM site.

COT drives resistance to RAF inhibition through MAP kinase pathway reactivation.

PubMed

Johannessen, Cory M; Boehm, Jesse S; Kim, So Young; Thomas, Sapana R; Wardwell, Leslie; Johnson, Laura A; Emery, Caroline M; Stransky, Nicolas; Cogdill, Alexandria P; Barretina, Jordi; Caponigro, Giordano; Hieronymus, Haley; Murray, Ryan R; Salehi-Ashtiani, Kourosh; Hill, David E; Vidal, Marc; Zhao, Jean J; Yang, Xiaoping; Alkan, Ozan; Kim, Sungjoon; Harris, Jennifer L; Wilson, Christopher J; Myer, Vic E; Finan, Peter M; Root, David E; Roberts, Thomas M; Golub, Todd; Flaherty, Keith T; Dummer, Reinhard; Weber, Barbara L; Sellers, William R; Schlegel, Robert; Wargo, Jennifer A; Hahn, William C; Garraway, Levi A

2010-12-16

Oncogenic mutations in the serine/threonine kinase B-RAF (also known as BRAF) are found in 50-70% of malignant melanomas. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that the B-RAF(V600E) mutation predicts a dependency on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascade in melanoma-an observation that has been validated by the success of RAF and MEK inhibitors in clinical trials. However, clinical responses to targeted anticancer therapeutics are frequently confounded by de novo or acquired resistance. Identification of resistance mechanisms in a manner that elucidates alternative 'druggable' targets may inform effective long-term treatment strategies. Here we expressed ∼600 kinase and kinase-related open reading frames (ORFs) in parallel to interrogate resistance to a selective RAF kinase inhibitor. We identified MAP3K8 (the gene encoding COT/Tpl2) as a MAPK pathway agonist that drives resistance to RAF inhibition in B-RAF(V600E) cell lines. COT activates ERK primarily through MEK-dependent mechanisms that do not require RAF signalling. Moreover, COT expression is associated with de novo resistance in B-RAF(V600E) cultured cell lines and acquired resistance in melanoma cells and tissue obtained from relapsing patients following treatment with MEK or RAF inhibitors. We further identify combinatorial MAPK pathway inhibition or targeting of COT kinase activity as possible therapeutic strategies for reducing MAPK pathway activation in this setting. Together, these results provide new insights into resistance mechanisms involving the MAPK pathway and articulate an integrative approach through which high-throughput functional screens may inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

To the Die Smartly: Heavy Ion Testing of PEMs on COTS Boards Through the Plastic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wert, J. L.; Normand, E.; Oberg, D. L.; Stevens, L.; Blumer, J.; Fisher, E.; Wode, G.

1999-01-01

Seven commercial off the shelf (COTS) boards containing electronic devices (all in plastic packages, PEMS), under consideration for use in a spacecraft subsystem, were exposed to beams of very high energy ions at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (MSU). The ion energies were high enough that an entire board could be exposed in air, and it could still penetrate through the plastic and reach the silicon die. A total of about 300 runs were made, and for each, the LET of the ion entering the silicon die had to be determined, based on the thickness of the plastic lid and the thickness of overlaying materials (e.g., aluminum degraders). Single event latchup (SEL) and functional interrupt (SEFI) were determined during each run, the SEFI by means of simple programs being continuously written to and read from the boards to monitor functionality, while each part was being exposed to the heavy ions.

Bilingualism, Mind, and Brain.

PubMed

Kroll, Judith F; Dussias, Paola E; Bice, Kinsey; Perrotti, Lauren

2015-01-01

The use of two or more languages is common in most of the world. Yet, until recently, bilingualism was considered to be a complicating factor for language processing, cognition, and the brain. The past 20 years have witnessed an upsurge of research on bilingualism to examine language acquisition and processing, their cognitive and neural bases, and the consequences that bilingualism holds for cognition and the brain over the life span. Contrary to the view that bilingualism complicates the language system, this new research demonstrates that all of the languages that are known and used become part of the same language system. The interactions that arise when two languages are in play have consequences for the mind and the brain and, indeed, for language processing itself, but those consequences are not additive. Thus, bilingualism helps reveal the fundamental architecture and mechanisms of language processing that are otherwise hidden in monolingual speakers.

Bilingualism, Mind, and Brain

PubMed Central

Dussias, Paola E.; Bice, Kinsey; Perrotti, Lauren

2016-01-01

The use of two or more languages is common in most of the world. Yet, until recently, bilingualism was considered to be a complicating factor for language processing, cognition, and the brain. The past 20 years have witnessed an upsurge of research on bilingualism to examine language acquisition and processing, their cognitive and neural bases, and the consequences that bilingualism holds for cognition and the brain over the life span. Contrary to the view that bilingualism complicates the language system, this new research demonstrates that all of the languages that are known and used become part of the same language system. The interactions that arise when two languages are in play have consequences for the mind and the brain and, indeed, for language processing itself, but those consequences are not additive. Thus, bilingualism helps reveal the fundamental architecture and mechanisms of language processing that are otherwise hidden in monolingual speakers. PMID:28642932

Events as power source: wireless sustainable corrosion monitoring.

PubMed

Sun, Guodong; Qiao, Guofu; Zhao, Lin; Chen, Zhibo

2013-12-17

This study presents and implements a corrosion-monitoring wireless sensor platform, EPS (Events as Power Source), which monitors the corrosion events in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, while being powered by the micro-energy released from the corrosion process. In EPS, the proposed corrosion-sensing device serves both as the signal source for identifying corrosion and as the power source for driving the sensor mote, because the corrosion process (event) releases electric energy; this is a novel idea proposed by this study. For accumulating the micro-corrosion energy, we integrate EPS with a COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) energy-harvesting chip that recharges a supercapacitor. In particular, this study designs automatic energy management and adaptive transmitted power control polices to efficiently use the constrained accumulated energy. Finally, a set of preliminary experiments based on concrete pore solution are conducted to evaluate the feasibility and the efficacy of EPS.

[Prevention of cot death in maternity hospitals].

PubMed

Fleurigeon, Aline; Billard, Estelle; Monfort, Sara; Brochard, Mélissa; Angeli, Francine; Éoche, Danielle

2015-01-01

Part of the role of the child health nurse is to promote the health of infants and families in a public health community approach. She designs and implements health education actions. Raising parents' awareness of how to position newborns when they sleep and the prevention of cot death is a public health priority. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Preliminary Evaluation of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Packing Materials for Flight Medication Dispenser (FMD) Technology Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Du, B.; Daniels, V.; Crady, C.; Putcha, L.

2011-01-01

This slide presentation reviews preliminary results of the program to evaluate Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) packaging materials for pharmaceutical stability. The need for improved packaging is due to possible changes in chemical and/or physical properties of the drugs, which cause reported reduced potency and/or altered bioavailability and decreased efficacy.

V2S: Voice to Sign Language Translation System for Malaysian Deaf People

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mean Foong, Oi; Low, Tang Jung; La, Wai Wan

The process of learning and understand the sign language may be cumbersome to some, and therefore, this paper proposes a solution to this problem by providing a voice (English Language) to sign language translation system using Speech and Image processing technique. Speech processing which includes Speech Recognition is the study of recognizing the words being spoken, regardless of whom the speaker is. This project uses template-based recognition as the main approach in which the V2S system first needs to be trained with speech pattern based on some generic spectral parameter set. These spectral parameter set will then be stored as template in a database. The system will perform the recognition process through matching the parameter set of the input speech with the stored templates to finally display the sign language in video format. Empirical results show that the system has 80.3% recognition rate.

Wider-Opening Dewar Flasks for Cryogenic Storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruemmele, Warren P.; Manry, John; Stafford, Kristin; Bue, Grant; Krejci, John; Evernden, Bent

2010-01-01

Dewar flasks have been proposed as containers for relatively long-term (25 days) storage of perishable scientific samples or other perishable objects at a temperature of 175 C. The refrigeration would be maintained through slow boiling of liquid nitrogen (LN2). For the purposes of the application for which these containers were proposed, (1) the neck openings of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Dewar flasks are too small for most NASA samples; (2) the round shapes of the COTS containers give rise to unacceptably low efficiency of packing in rectangular cargo compartments; and (3) the COTS containers include metal structures that are too thermally conductive, such that they cannot, without exceeding size and weight limits, hold enough LN2 for the required long-term-storage. In comparison with COTS Dewar flasks, the proposed containers would be rectangular, yet would satisfy the long-term storage requirement without exceeding size and weight limits; would have larger neck openings; and would have greater sample volumes, leading to a packing efficiency of about double the sample volume as a fraction of total volume. The proposed containers would be made partly of aerospace- type composite materials and would include vacuum walls, multilayer insulation, and aerogel insulation.

Genetic structure of the crown-of-thorns seastar in the Pacific Ocean, with focus on Guam.

PubMed

Tusso, Sergio; Morcinek, Kerstin; Vogler, Catherine; Schupp, Peter J; Caballes, Ciemon F; Vargas, Sergio; Wörheide, Gert

2016-01-01

Population outbreaks of the corallivorous crown-of-thorns seastar (COTS), Acanthaster 'planci' L., are among the most important biological disturbances of tropical coral reefs. Over the past 50 years, several devastating outbreaks have been documented around Guam, an island in the western Pacific Ocean. Previous analyses have shown that in the Pacific Ocean, COTS larval dispersal may be geographically restricted to certain regions. Here, we assess the genetic structure of Pacific COTS populations and compared samples from around Guam with a number of distant localities in the Pacific Ocean, and focused on determining the degree of genetic structure among populations previously considered to be isolated. Using microsatellites, we document substantial genetic structure between 14 localities from different geographical regions in the Pacific Ocean. Populations from the 14 locations sampled were found to be structured in three significantly differentiated groups: (1) all locations immediately around Guam, as well as Kingman Reef and Swains Island; (2) Japan, Philippines, GBR and Vanuatu; and (3) Johnston Atoll, which was significantly different from all other localities. The lack of genetic differentiation between Guam and extremely distant populations from Kingman Reef and Swains Island suggests potential long-distance dispersal of COTS in the Pacific.

Oxygen Consumption and Heat Balance in the Cot-nursed Baby

PubMed Central

Hey, E. N.; O'Connell, Bridget

1970-01-01

Oxygen consumption and heat balance have been studied in 42 clothed babies under varied environmental temperature conditions. The information obtained has made it possible to compare the thermal environment provided by an incubator with that provided by an ordinary nursery cot. Some of the merits of cots and incubators are contrasted. Resistance to heat loss in a naked newborn baby lying on a mattress in a moderately humid draught-free room is approximately 1 `clo' unit. Provision of a vest, napkin, and long nightdress increases this resistance to about 2·3 units, while wrapping the clothed baby in a flannelette sheet and covering it with 2 layers of cotton blanket increases the total resistance to 2·9 clo units. A draught-free environment of 24 °C. (75 °F.) is necessary to provide completely neutral thermal conditions for most cot-nursed babies insulated against heat loss with clothes and blankets in the first month of life, while a room temperature of up to 29 °C. (85 °F.) may be necessary to ensure comparable conditions for a baby weighing less than 1½ kg. during much of the first week of life. ImagesFIG. 1 PMID:5427847

Study on ice cloud optical thickness retrieval with MODIS IR spectral bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hong; Li, Jun

2005-01-01

The operational Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products for cloud properties such as cloud-top pressure (CTP), effective cloud amount (ECA), cloud particle size (CPS), cloud optical thickness (COT), and cloud phase (CP) have been available for users globally. An approach to retrieve COT is investigated using MODIS infrared (IR) window spectral bands (8.5 mm, 11mm, and 12 mm). The COT retrieval from MODIS IR bands has the potential to provide microphysical properties with high spatial resolution during night. The results are compared with those from operational MODIS products derived from the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) bands during day. Sensitivity of COT to MODIS spectral brightness temperature (BT) and BT difference (BTD) values is studied. A look-up table is created from the cloudy radiative transfer model accounting for the cloud absorption and scattering for the cloud microphysical property retrieval. The potential applications and limitations are also discussed. This algorithm can be applied to the future imager systems such as Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) and Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-R.

Cot kinase promotes Ca2+ oscillation/calcineurin-independent osteoclastogenesis by stabilizing NFATc1 protein.

PubMed

Kuroda, Yukiko; Hisatsune, Chihiro; Mizutani, Akihiro; Ogawa, Naoko; Matsuo, Koichi; Mikoshiba, Katsuhiko

2012-07-01

Osteoclasts are multinuclear bone-resorbing cells formed by the fusion of monocyte/macrophage-lineage precursor cells. Activation of the transcription factor NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells c1) by the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) is critical for osteoclast differentiation. In our previous report (Y. Kuroda, C. Hisatsune, T. Nakamura, K. Matsuo, and K. Mikoshiba. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 105:8643, 2008), we demonstrated that osteoblasts induce osteoclast differentiation via Ca(2+) oscillation/calcineurin-dependent and -independent NFATc1 activation pathways; however, the mechanism underlying the latter remained unclear. Here we show that Cot, a serine/threonine kinase also known as tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl-2), directly phosphorylates all Ca(2+)/calcineurin-regulated NFAT family members (NFATc1 through NFATc4) and increases their protein levels. Moreover, Cot activity in osteoclasts was enhanced via cell-cell interaction with osteoblasts, and Cot promoted Ca(2+) oscillation/calcineurin-independent osteoclastogenesis by increasing NFATc1 stability through phosphorylation. We propose that NFAT activation in vivo occurs via phosphorylation-induced protein stabilization, even in the absence of Ca(2+) oscillation and calcineurin activity.

Cot Kinase Promotes Ca2+ Oscillation/Calcineurin-Independent Osteoclastogenesis by Stabilizing NFATc1 Protein

PubMed Central

Kuroda, Yukiko; Hisatsune, Chihiro; Mizutani, Akihiro; Ogawa, Naoko

2012-01-01

Osteoclasts are multinuclear bone-resorbing cells formed by the fusion of monocyte/macrophage-lineage precursor cells. Activation of the transcription factor NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells c1) by the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) is critical for osteoclast differentiation. In our previous report (Y. Kuroda, C. Hisatsune, T. Nakamura, K. Matsuo, and K. Mikoshiba. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 105:8643, 2008), we demonstrated that osteoblasts induce osteoclast differentiation via Ca2+ oscillation/calcineurin-dependent and -independent NFATc1 activation pathways; however, the mechanism underlying the latter remained unclear. Here we show that Cot, a serine/threonine kinase also known as tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl-2), directly phosphorylates all Ca2+/calcineurin-regulated NFAT family members (NFATc1 through NFATc4) and increases their protein levels. Moreover, Cot activity in osteoclasts was enhanced via cell-cell interaction with osteoblasts, and Cot promoted Ca2+ oscillation/calcineurin-independent osteoclastogenesis by increasing NFATc1 stability through phosphorylation. We propose that NFAT activation in vivo occurs via phosphorylation-induced protein stabilization, even in the absence of Ca2+ oscillation and calcineurin activity. PMID:22615493

Degradation and annealing studies on gamma rays irradiated COTS PPD CISs at different dose rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zujun; Ma, Yingwu; Liu, Jing; Xue, Yuan; He, Baoping; Yao, Zhibin; Huang, Shaoyan; Liu, Minbo; Sheng, Jiangkun

2016-06-01

The degradation and annealing studies on Colbalt-60 gamma-rays irradiated commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) pinned photodiode (PPD) CMOS image sensors (CISs) at the various dose rates are presented. The irradiation experiments of COTS PPD CISs are carried out at 0.3, 3.0 and 30.0 rad(Si)/s. The COTS PPD CISs are manufactured using a standard 0.18-μm CMOS technology with four-transistor pixel PPD architecture. The behavior of the tested CISs shows a remarkable degradation after irradiation and differs in the dose rates. The dark current, dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU), random noise, saturation output, signal to noise ratio (SNR), and dynamic range (DR) versus the total ionizing dose (TID) at the various dose rates are investigated. The tendency of dark current, DSNU, and random noise increase and saturation output, SNR, and DR to decrease at 3.0 rad(Si)/s are far greater than those at 0.3 and 30.0 rad(Si)/s. The damage mechanisms caused by TID irradiation at the various dose rates are also analyzed. The annealing tests are carried out at room temperature with unbiased conditions after irradiation.

Risk Mitigation Approach to Commercial Resupply to the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koons, Diane S.; Schreiber, Craig

2010-01-01

In August 2006, NASA awarded Space Act Agreements (SAAs) for Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) under the Commercial Crew and Cargo Project Office at Johnson Space Center. One of the goals of the SAAs is to facilitate U.S. private industry demonstration of cargo transportation capabilities, ultimately achieving reliable, cost effective access to low-Earth orbit (LEO). Each COTS provider is required to complete International Space Stations (ISS) Integration activities, which includes meeting the physical and functional interfaces and interface requirements between the ISS and COTS vehicles. These requirements focus on the areas of risk to the ISS during rendezvous and proximity operations, as well as the integration operations while the COTS vehicle is berthed to the ISS. On December 23, 2008, NASA awarded Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) contracts to provide resupply services to the ISS, following the Shuttle retirement. In addition to performing any ISS Integration activities, NASA will be performing independent assessments of the launch vehicle and orbital vehicle to evaluate the readiness of the contractor to deliver NASA cargo safely to the ISS. This paper will address the activities NASA Centers, both JSC and KSC, in the oversight and insight function over commercial visiting vehicles to the ISS.

Multicriteria framework for selecting a process modelling language

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scanavachi Moreira Campos, Ana Carolina; Teixeira de Almeida, Adiel

2016-01-01

The choice of process modelling language can affect business process management (BPM) since each modelling language shows different features of a given process and may limit the ways in which a process can be described and analysed. However, choosing the appropriate modelling language for process modelling has become a difficult task because of the availability of a large number modelling languages and also due to the lack of guidelines on evaluating, and comparing languages so as to assist in selecting the most appropriate one. This paper proposes a framework for selecting a modelling language in accordance with the purposes of modelling. This framework is based on the semiotic quality framework (SEQUAL) for evaluating process modelling languages and a multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) approach in order to select the most appropriate language for BPM. This study does not attempt to set out new forms of assessment and evaluation criteria, but does attempt to demonstrate how two existing approaches can be combined so as to solve the problem of selection of modelling language. The framework is described in this paper and then demonstrated by means of an example. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of using SEQUAL and MCDA in an integrated manner are discussed.

Transition from an open-plan to a two-cot neonatal intensive care unit: a participatory action research approach.

PubMed

Broom, Margaret; Gardner, Anne; Kecskes, Zsuzsoka; Kildea, Sue

2017-07-01

To facilitate staff transition from an open-plan to a two-cot neonatal intensive care unit design. In 2012, an Australian regional neonatal intensive care unit transitioned from an open-plan to a two-cot neonatal intensive care unit design. Research has reported single- and small-room neonatal intensive care unit design may negatively impact on the distances nurses walk, reducing the time they spend providing direct neonatal care. Studies have also reported nurses feel isolated and need additional support and education in such neonatal intensive care units. Staff highlighted their concerns regarding the impact of the new design on workflow and clinical practice. A participatory action research approach. A participatory action group titled the Change and Networking Group collaborated with staff over a four-year period (2009-2013) to facilitate the transition. The Change and Networking Group used a collaborative, cyclical process of planning, gathering data, taking action and reviewing the results to plan the next action. Data sources included meeting and workshop minutes, newsletters, feedback boards, subgroup reports and a staff satisfaction survey. The study findings include a description of (1) how the participatory action research cycles were used by the Change and Networking Group: providing examples of projects and strategies undertaken; and (2) evaluations of participatory action research methodology and Group by neonatal intensive care unit staff and Change and Networking members. This study has described the benefits of using participatory action research to facilitate staff transition from an open-plan to a two-cot neonatal intensive care unit design. Participatory action research methodology enabled the inclusion of staff to find solutions to design and clinical practice questions. Future research is required to assess the long-term effect of neonatal intensive care unit design on staff workload, maintaining and supporting a skilled workforce as well as the impact of a new neonatal intensive care unit design on the neonatal intensive care unit culture. A supportive work environment for staff is critical in providing high-quality health care. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Effectiveness of Adopting E-Readers to Facilitate EFL Students' Process-Based Academic Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hung, Hui-Chun; Young, Shelley Shwu-Ching

2015-01-01

English as Foreign Language (EFL) students face additional difficulties for academic writing largely due to their level of language competency. An appropriate structural process of writing can help students develop their academic writing skills. This study explored the use of the e-readers to facilitate EFL students' process-based academic…

Enabling IP Header Compression in COTS Routers via Frame Relay on a Simplex Link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Sam P.; Pang, Jackson; Clare, Loren P.; Cheng, Michael K.

2010-01-01

NASA is moving toward a networkcentric communications architecture and, in particular, is building toward use of Internet Protocol (IP) in space. The use of IP is motivated by its ubiquitous application in many communications networks and in available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. The Constellation Program intends to fit two or more voice (over IP) channels on both the forward link to, and the return link from, the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) during all mission phases. Efficient bandwidth utilization of the links is key for voice applications. In Voice over IP (VoIP), the IP packets are limited to small sizes to keep voice latency at a minimum. The common voice codec used in VoIP is G.729. This new algorithm produces voice audio at 8 kbps and in packets of 10-milliseconds duration. Constellation has designed the VoIP communications stack to use the combination of IP/UDP/RTP protocols where IP carries a 20-byte header, UDP (User Datagram Protocol) carries an 8-byte header, and RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol) carries a 12-byte header. The protocol headers total 40 bytes and are equal in length to a 40-byte G.729 payload, doubling the VoIP latency. Since much of the IP/UDP/RTP header information does not change from IP packet to IP packet, IP/UDP/RTP header compression can avoid transmission of much redundant data as well as reduce VoIP latency. The benefits of IP header compression are more pronounced at low data rate links such as the forward and return links during CEV launch. IP/UDP/RTP header compression codecs are well supported by many COTS routers. A common interface to the COTS routers is through frame relay. However, enabling IP header compression over frame relay, according to industry standard (Frame Relay IP Header Compression Agreement FRF.20), requires a duplex link and negotiations between the compressor router and the decompressor router. In Constellation, each forward to and return link from the CEV in space is treated independently as a simplex link. Without negotiation, the COTS routers are prevented from entering into the IP header compression mode, and no IP header compression would be performed. An algorithm is proposed to enable IP header compression in COTS routers on a simplex link with no negotiation or with a one-way messaging. In doing so, COTS routers can enter IP header compression mode without the need to handshake through a bidirectional link as required by FRF.20. This technique would spoof the routers locally and thereby allow the routers to enter into IP header compression mode without having the negotiations between routers actually occur. The spoofing function is conducted by a frame relay adapter (also COTS) with the capability to generate control messages according to the FRF.20 descriptions. Therefore, negotiation is actually performed between the FRF.20 adapter and the connecting COTS router locally and never occurs over the space link. Through understanding of the handshaking protocol described by FRF.20, the necessary FRF.20 negotiations messages can be generated to control the connecting router, not only to turn on IP header compression but also to adjust the compression parameters. The FRF.20 negotiation (or control) message is composed in the FRF.20 adapter by interpreting the incoming router request message. Many of the fields are simply transcribed from request to response while the control field indicating response and type are modified.

Video change detection for fixed wing UAVs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartelsen, Jan; Müller, Thomas; Ring, Jochen; Mück, Klaus; Brüstle, Stefan; Erdnüß, Bastian; Lutz, Bastian; Herbst, Theresa

2017-10-01

In this paper we proceed the work of Bartelsen et al.1 We present the draft of a process chain for an image based change detection which is designed for videos acquired by fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). From our point of view, automatic video change detection for aerial images can be useful to recognize functional activities which are typically caused by the deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), e.g. excavations, skid marks, footprints, left-behind tooling equipment, and marker stones. Furthermore, in case of natural disasters, like flooding, imminent danger can be recognized quickly. Due to the necessary flight range, we concentrate on fixed wing UAVs. Automatic change detection can be reduced to a comparatively simple photogrammetric problem when the perspective change between the "before" and "after" image sets is kept as small as possible. Therefore, the aerial image acquisition demands a mission planning with a clear purpose including flight path and sensor configuration. While the latter can be enabled simply by a fixed and meaningful adjustment of the camera, ensuring a small perspective change for "before" and "after" videos acquired by fixed wing UAVs is a challenging problem. Concerning this matter, we have performed tests with an advanced commercial off the shelf (COTS) system which comprises a differential GPS and autopilot system estimating the repetition accuracy of its trajectory. Although several similar approaches have been presented,23 as far as we are able to judge, the limits for this important issue are not estimated so far. Furthermore, we design a process chain to enable the practical utilization of video change detection. It consists of a front-end of a database to handle large amounts of video data, an image processing and change detection implementation, and the visualization of the results. We apply our process chain on the real video data acquired by the advanced COTS fixed wing UAV and synthetic data. For the image processing and change detection, we use the approach of Muller.4 Although it was developed for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), it enables a near real time video change detection for aerial videos. Concluding, we discuss the demands on sensor systems in the matter of change detection.

Language acquisition is model-based rather than model-free.

PubMed

Wang, Felix Hao; Mintz, Toben H

2016-01-01

Christiansen & Chater (C&C) propose that learning language is learning to process language. However, we believe that the general-purpose prediction mechanism they propose is insufficient to account for many phenomena in language acquisition. We argue from theoretical considerations and empirical evidence that many acquisition tasks are model-based, and that different acquisition tasks require different, specialized models.

Introduction to Papers from the 5th Workshop on Language Production: The Neural Bases of Language Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rapp, Brenda; Miozzo, Michele

2011-01-01

The papers in this special issue of "Language and Cognitive Processing" on the neural bases of language production illustrate two general approaches in current cognitive neuroscience. One approach focuses on investigating cognitive issues, making use of the logic of associations/dissociations or the logic of neural markers as key investigative…

A Systematic Meta-Analytic Review of Evidence for the Effectiveness of the "Fast ForWord" Language Intervention Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strong, Gemma K.; Torgerson, Carole J.; Torgerson, David; Hulme, Charles

2011-01-01

Background: Fast ForWord is a suite of computer-based language intervention programs designed to improve children's reading and oral language skills. The programs are based on the hypothesis that oral language difficulties often arise from a rapid auditory temporal processing deficit that compromises the development of phonological…

Looking at the Brains behind Figurative Language--A Quantitative Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies on Metaphor, Idiom, and Irony Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bohrn, Isabel C.; Altmann, Ulrike; Jacobs, Arthur M.

2012-01-01

A quantitative, coordinate-based meta-analysis combined data from 354 participants across 22 fMRI studies and one positron emission tomography (PET) study to identify the differences in neural correlates of figurative and literal language processing, and to investigate the role of the right hemisphere (RH) in figurative language processing.…

Semi-Automated Methods for Refining a Domain-Specific Terminology Base

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-01

only as a resource for written and oral translation, but also for Natural Language Processing ( NLP ) applications, text retrieval, document indexing...Natural Language Processing ( NLP ) applications, text retrieval, document indexing, and other knowledge management tasks. The objective of this...also for Natural Language Processing ( NLP ) applications, text retrieval (1), document indexing, and other knowledge management tasks. The National

Infant Information Processing and Family History of Specific Language Impairment: Converging Evidence for RAP Deficits from Two Paradigms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choudhury, Naseem; Leppanen, Paavo H. T.; Leevers, Hilary J.; Benasich, April A.

2007-01-01

An infant's ability to process auditory signals presented in rapid succession (i.e. rapid auditory processing abilities [RAP]) has been shown to predict differences in language outcomes in toddlers and preschool children. Early deficits in RAP abilities may serve as a behavioral marker for language-based learning disabilities. The purpose of this…

Context Orientated Teaching in Praxis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikos, Klaoudatos; Stavros, Papastavridis

2004-01-01

In this paper, we describe the skeleton of two teaching units, based on a Model for teaching mathematics, Context Orientated Teaching (COT). The first teaching unit concerns the proof of a mathematical proposition, while the second one concerns the solution of an open problem. Both are taught in the 10th grade, under the specific conditions of the…

The neurobiology of syntax: beyond string sets.

PubMed

Petersson, Karl Magnus; Hagoort, Peter

2012-07-19

The human capacity to acquire language is an outstanding scientific challenge to understand. Somehow our language capacities arise from the way the human brain processes, develops and learns in interaction with its environment. To set the stage, we begin with a summary of what is known about the neural organization of language and what our artificial grammar learning (AGL) studies have revealed. We then review the Chomsky hierarchy in the context of the theory of computation and formal learning theory. Finally, we outline a neurobiological model of language acquisition and processing based on an adaptive, recurrent, spiking network architecture. This architecture implements an asynchronous, event-driven, parallel system for recursive processing. We conclude that the brain represents grammars (or more precisely, the parser/generator) in its connectivity, and its ability for syntax is based on neurobiological infrastructure for structured sequence processing. The acquisition of this ability is accounted for in an adaptive dynamical systems framework. Artificial language learning (ALL) paradigms might be used to study the acquisition process within such a framework, as well as the processing properties of the underlying neurobiological infrastructure. However, it is necessary to combine and constrain the interpretation of ALL results by theoretical models and empirical studies on natural language processing. Given that the faculty of language is captured by classical computational models to a significant extent, and that these can be embedded in dynamic network architectures, there is hope that significant progress can be made in understanding the neurobiology of the language faculty.

The neurobiology of syntax: beyond string sets

PubMed Central

Petersson, Karl Magnus; Hagoort, Peter

2012-01-01

The human capacity to acquire language is an outstanding scientific challenge to understand. Somehow our language capacities arise from the way the human brain processes, develops and learns in interaction with its environment. To set the stage, we begin with a summary of what is known about the neural organization of language and what our artificial grammar learning (AGL) studies have revealed. We then review the Chomsky hierarchy in the context of the theory of computation and formal learning theory. Finally, we outline a neurobiological model of language acquisition and processing based on an adaptive, recurrent, spiking network architecture. This architecture implements an asynchronous, event-driven, parallel system for recursive processing. We conclude that the brain represents grammars (or more precisely, the parser/generator) in its connectivity, and its ability for syntax is based on neurobiological infrastructure for structured sequence processing. The acquisition of this ability is accounted for in an adaptive dynamical systems framework. Artificial language learning (ALL) paradigms might be used to study the acquisition process within such a framework, as well as the processing properties of the underlying neurobiological infrastructure. However, it is necessary to combine and constrain the interpretation of ALL results by theoretical models and empirical studies on natural language processing. Given that the faculty of language is captured by classical computational models to a significant extent, and that these can be embedded in dynamic network architectures, there is hope that significant progress can be made in understanding the neurobiology of the language faculty. PMID:22688633

Use of an ion mobility spectrometer for detecting uranium compounds

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

McLain, Derek R.; Steeb, Jennifer L.; Smith, Nicholas A.

The safeguards community currently lacks a method to rapidly determine the chemical form of radioactive and non-radioactive compounds in real time during inspection activities. Chemical speciation identification can provide important information on both the types of materials that are collected during environmental sampling and can inform inspectors as to where to focus efforts during inspections or complementary access visits. Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) is an established field technique for the detection of explosives, narcotics, and other organic compounds. More recently, electrospray ionization (ESI) has been used to introduce inorganic compounds to IMS instruments for analysis. These techniques have shown themore » ability to supply chemical information about the compounds being analyzed. Although these laboratory based instruments use a liquid-based injection system, there is evidence in the literature of unaltered and intact pharmaceutical tablets being volatilized and ionized in open atmosphere using heat and a Ni-63 source. Lastly, this work determined that a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) IMS could be used for the identification of solid uranium compounds directly after sampling using a COTS sample swipe.« less

Improved Airborne System for Sensing Wildfires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKeown, Donald; Richardson, Michael

2008-01-01

The Wildfire Airborne Sensing Program (WASP) is engaged in a continuing effort to develop an improved airborne instrumentation system for sensing wildfires. The system could also be used for other aerial-imaging applications, including mapping and military surveillance. Unlike prior airborne fire-detection instrumentation systems, the WASP system would not be based on custom-made multispectral line scanners and associated custom- made complex optomechanical servomechanisms, sensors, readout circuitry, and packaging. Instead, the WASP system would be based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment that would include (1) three or four electronic cameras (one for each of three or four wavelength bands) instead of a multispectral line scanner; (2) all associated drive and readout electronics; (3) a camera-pointing gimbal; (4) an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for measuring the position, velocity, and orientation of the aircraft; and (5) a data-acquisition subsystem. It would be necessary to custom-develop an integrated sensor optical-bench assembly, a sensor-management subsystem, and software. The use of mostly COTS equipment is intended to reduce development time and cost, relative to those of prior systems.

Use of an ion mobility spectrometer for detecting uranium compounds

DOE PAGES

McLain, Derek R.; Steeb, Jennifer L.; Smith, Nicholas A.

2018-03-09

The safeguards community currently lacks a method to rapidly determine the chemical form of radioactive and non-radioactive compounds in real time during inspection activities. Chemical speciation identification can provide important information on both the types of materials that are collected during environmental sampling and can inform inspectors as to where to focus efforts during inspections or complementary access visits. Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) is an established field technique for the detection of explosives, narcotics, and other organic compounds. More recently, electrospray ionization (ESI) has been used to introduce inorganic compounds to IMS instruments for analysis. These techniques have shown themore » ability to supply chemical information about the compounds being analyzed. Although these laboratory based instruments use a liquid-based injection system, there is evidence in the literature of unaltered and intact pharmaceutical tablets being volatilized and ionized in open atmosphere using heat and a Ni-63 source. Lastly, this work determined that a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) IMS could be used for the identification of solid uranium compounds directly after sampling using a COTS sample swipe.« less

Language Diversity and Bilingual Processing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Athanasopoulos, Panos; Treffers-Daller, Jeanine

2015-01-01

This special issue on language diversity and bilingual processing is based on papers presented at the "Exploratory Workshop on Speaking, Thinking and Gesturing in Two Languages," at the University of Reading, UK, in September 2012, sponsored by the European Science Foundation (IM/SCH/EW11-145). The workshop brought together a…

Crown-of-thorns sea star, Acanthaster cf. solaris, have tissue-characteristic microbiomes with potential roles in health and reproduction.

PubMed

Høj, Lone; Levy, Natalie; Baillie, Brett K; Clode, Peta L; Strohmaier, Raphael C; Siboni, Nachshon; Webster, Nicole S; Uthicke, Sven; Bourne, David G

2018-05-04

Outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea stars (CoTS; Acanthaster spp. complex) cause substantial coral loss, hence there is considerable interest in developing prevention and control strategies. We characterised the microbiome of captive CoTS and assessed whether dysbiosis was evident in sea stars during a disease event. Most tissue types had a distinct microbiome. The exception was female gonads, which were highly variable amongst individuals. Male gonads were dominated (>97% of reads) by a single Mollicutes -related OTU. Detailed phylogenetic and microscopy analysis demonstrated the presence of a novel Spiroplasma -related bacterium in the spermatogenic layer. Body wall samples had high relative abundance (43-64% of reads) of spirochetes, likely corresponding to subcuticular symbionts reported from many echinoderms. Tube feet were characterised by Hyphomonadaceae (24-55% of reads). Pyloric caeca microbiomes had high alpha diversity, comprising many taxa commonly found in gastro-intestinal systems. The order Oceanospirillales (genera Endozoicomonas and Kistimonas ) was detected in all tissues. A microbiome shift occurred in diseased individuals, although differences between tissue types were retained. The relative abundance of spirochetes was significantly reduced in diseased individuals. Kistimonas was present in all diseased individuals and significantly associated with diseased tube feet, but its role in disease causation is unknown. While Arcobacter was significantly associated with diseased tissues and Vibrionaceae increased in diversity, no single OTUs were detected in all diseased individuals suggesting opportunistic proliferation of these taxa in this case. This study shows that CoTS have tissue-characteristic bacterial communities and identifies taxa that could play a role in reproduction and host health. IMPORTANCE Coral-eating crown of thorns sea stars (CoTS; Acanthaster spp. complex) are native to the Indo-Pacific, but during periodic population outbreaks they can reach extreme densities (>1000 starfish per hectare) and function like a pest species. On the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, CoTS have long been considered one of the major contributors to coral loss. There has been significant investment in a targeted control program using lethal injection, and there is interest in developing additional and complementary technologies that can increase culling efficiencies. The biology of CoTS has been studied extensively but little is known about their associated microbiome. This cultivation-independent analysis of the CoTS microbiome provides a baseline for future analyses targeting the functional role of symbionts, the identification of pathogens, or the development of reproduction manipulators. © Crown copyright 2018.

Language-Based Curriculum Analysis: A Collaborative Assessment and Intervention Process.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prelock, Patricia A.

1997-01-01

Presents a systematic process for completing a language-based curriculum analysis to address curriculum expectations that may challenge students with communication impairments. Analysis of vocabulary and the demands for comprehension, oral, and written expression within specific content areas provides a framework for collaboration between teachers…

A high-rate PCI-based telemetry processor system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turri, R.

2002-07-01

The high performances reached by the Satellite on-board telemetry generation and transmission, as consequently, will impose the design of ground facilities with higher processing capabilities at low cost to allow a good diffusion of these ground station. The equipment normally used are based on complex, proprietary bus and computing architectures that prevent the systems from exploiting the continuous and rapid increasing in computing power available on market. The PCI bus systems now allow processing of high-rate data streams in a standard PC-system. At the same time the Windows NT operating system supports multitasking and symmetric multiprocessing, giving the capability to process high data rate signals. In addition, high-speed networking, 64 bit PCI-bus technologies and the increase in processor power and software, allow creating a system based on COTS products (which in future may be easily and inexpensively upgraded). In the frame of EUCLID RTP 9.8 project, a specific work element was dedicated to develop the architecture of a system able to acquire telemetry data of up to 600 Mbps. Laben S.p.A - a Finmeccanica Company -, entrusted of this work, has designed a PCI-based telemetry system making possible the communication between a satellite down-link and a wide area network at the required rate.

49 CFR 238.307 - Periodic mechanical inspection of passenger cars and unpowered vehicles used in passenger trains.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... separating in case of derailment. (9) All center castings on trucks are not cracked or broken, to the extent... castings shall be conducted by jacking the equipment and rolling out the trucks at each COT&S cycle... crack, break, excessive wear, structural defect, or weakness of a component; (iv) A leak; (v) Use of a...

75 FR 51043 - Pesticide Experimental Use Permit; Receipt of Application; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-18

... (vector pCOT1) in event COT102 cotton, Bt Cry1Ac protein and the genetic material necessary for its production (vector PV-GHBK04) in event MON 15985 cotton, and Bt Cry2Ab2 protein and the genetic material necessary for its production (vector PV-GHBK11) in event MON 15985 cotton. The Agency has determined that...

COTS Ceramic Chip Capacitors: An Evaluation of the Parts and Assurance Methodologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sampson, Michael J.

2004-01-01

This viewgraph presentation profiles an experiment to evaluate the suitability of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) ceramic chip capacitors for NASA spaceflight applications. The experiment included: 1) Voltage Conditioning ('Burn-In'); 2) Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT); 3) Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA); 4) Ultimate Voltage Breakdown Strength. The presentation includes results for each of the capacitors used in the experiment.

Qualification and Lessons Learned with Space Flight Fiber Optic Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, Melanie

2007-01-01

This presentation covers lessons learned during the design, development, manufacturing and qualification of space flight fiber optic components. Changes at NASA, including short-term projects and decreased budgets have brought about changes to vendors and parts. Most photonics for NASA needs are now commercial off the shelf (COTS) products. The COTS Tecnology Assurance approach for space flight and qualification plans are outlined.

Lunar COTS: An Economical and Sustainable Approach to Reaching Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuniga, Allison F.; Rasky, Daniel; Pittman, Robert B.; Zapata, Edgar; Lepsch, Roger

2015-01-01

The NASA COTS (Commercial Orbital Transportation Services) Program was a very successful program that developed and demonstrated cost-effective development and acquisition of commercial cargo transportation services to the International Space Station (ISS). The COTS acquisition strategy utilized a newer model than normally accepted in traditional procurement practices. This new model used Space Act Agreements where NASA entered into partnerships with industry to jointly share cost, development and operational risks to demonstrate new capabilities for mutual benefit. This model proved to be very beneficial to both NASA and its industry partners as NASA saved significantly in development and operational costs while industry partners successfully expanded their market share of the global launch transportation business. The authors, who contributed to the development of the COTS model, would like to extend this model to a lunar commercial services program that will push development of technologies and capabilities that will serve a Mars architecture and lead to an economical and sustainable pathway to transporting humans to Mars. Over the past few decades, several architectures for the Moon and Mars have been proposed and studied but ultimately halted or not even started due to the projected costs significantly exceeding NASA's budgets. Therefore a new strategy is needed that will fit within NASA's projected budgets and takes advantage of the US commercial industry along with its creative and entrepreneurial attributes. The authors propose a new COTS-like program to enter into partnerships with industry to demonstrate cost-effective, cis-lunar commercial services, such as lunar transportation, lunar ISRU operations, and cis-lunar propellant depots that can enable an economical and sustainable Mars architecture. Similar to the original COTS program, the goals of the proposed program, being notionally referred to as Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services (LCOTS) program will be to: 1) reduce development and operational costs by sharing costs with industry; 2) create new markets in cis-lunar space to further reduce operational costs; and 3) enable NASA to develop an affordable and economical exploration Mars architecture. The paper will describe a plan for a proposed LCOTS program, its potential impact to an eventual Mars architecture and its many benefits to NASA, commercial space industry and the US economy.

Workflow-Based Software Development Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Izygon, Michel E.

2013-01-01

The Software Developer's Assistant (SDA) helps software teams more efficiently and accurately conduct or execute software processes associated with NASA mission-critical software. SDA is a process enactment platform that guides software teams through project-specific standards, processes, and procedures. Software projects are decomposed into all of their required process steps or tasks, and each task is assigned to project personnel. SDA orchestrates the performance of work required to complete all process tasks in the correct sequence. The software then notifies team members when they may begin work on their assigned tasks and provides the tools, instructions, reference materials, and supportive artifacts that allow users to compliantly perform the work. A combination of technology components captures and enacts any software process use to support the software lifecycle. It creates an adaptive workflow environment that can be modified as needed. SDA achieves software process automation through a Business Process Management (BPM) approach to managing the software lifecycle for mission-critical projects. It contains five main parts: TieFlow (workflow engine), Business Rules (rules to alter process flow), Common Repository (storage for project artifacts, versions, history, schedules, etc.), SOA (interface to allow internal, GFE, or COTS tools integration), and the Web Portal Interface (collaborative web environment

Community-based walking exercise for peripheral artery disease: An exploratory pilot study

PubMed Central

Mays, Ryan J; Hiatt, William R; Casserly, Ivan P; Rogers, R Kevin; Main, Deborah S; Kohrt, Wendy M; Ho, P Michael; Regensteiner, Judith G

2016-01-01

Supervised walking exercise is an effective treatment to improve walking ability of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), but few exercise programs in community settings have been effective. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a community-based walking exercise program with training, monitoring, and coaching (TMC) components to improve exercise performance and patient-reported outcomes in PAD patients. This was a randomized, controlled trial including PAD patients who previously received peripheral endovascular therapy or presented with stable claudication. Patients randomized (n=25) to the intervention group received a comprehensive community-based walking exercise program with elements of TMC over 14 weeks. Patients in the control group did not receive treatment beyond standard advice to walk. The primary outcome in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses was peak walking time (PWT) on a graded treadmill. Secondary outcomes included claudication onset time (COT) and patient-reported outcomes assessed via the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ). Intervention group patients (n=10) did not significantly improve PWT when compared with the control group patients (n=10) (mean±standard error: +2.1±0.7 vs. 0.0±0.7 min, p=0.052). Changes in COT and WIQ scores were greater for intervention patients compared with control patients (COT: +1.6±0.8 vs. −0.6±0.7 min, p=0.045; WIQ: +18.3±4.2 vs. −4.6±4.2%, p=0.001). This pilot using a walking program with TMC and an ITT analyses did not improve the primary outcome in PAD patients. Other walking performance and patient self-reported outcomes were improved following exercise in community settings. Further study is needed to determine whether this intervention improves outcomes in a trial employing a larger sample size. PMID:25755148

Computational Investigations of Multiword Chunks in Language Learning.

PubMed

McCauley, Stewart M; Christiansen, Morten H

2017-07-01

Second-language learners rarely arrive at native proficiency in a number of linguistic domains, including morphological and syntactic processing. Previous approaches to understanding the different outcomes of first- versus second-language learning have focused on cognitive and neural factors. In contrast, we explore the possibility that children and adults may rely on different linguistic units throughout the course of language learning, with specific focus on the granularity of those units. Following recent psycholinguistic evidence for the role of multiword chunks in online language processing, we explore the hypothesis that children rely more heavily on multiword units in language learning than do adults learning a second language. To this end, we take an initial step toward using large-scale, corpus-based computational modeling as a tool for exploring the granularity of speakers' linguistic units. Employing a computational model of language learning, the Chunk-Based Learner, we compare the usefulness of chunk-based knowledge in accounting for the speech of second-language learners versus children and adults speaking their first language. Our findings suggest that while multiword units are likely to play a role in second-language learning, adults may learn less useful chunks, rely on them to a lesser extent, and arrive at them through different means than children learning a first language. Copyright © 2017 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Evidence for shared cognitive processing of pitch in music and language.

PubMed

Perrachione, Tyler K; Fedorenko, Evelina G; Vinke, Louis; Gibson, Edward; Dilley, Laura C

2013-01-01

Language and music epitomize the complex representational and computational capacities of the human mind. Strikingly similar in their structural and expressive features, a longstanding question is whether the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms underlying these abilities are shared or distinct--either from each other or from other mental processes. One prominent feature shared between language and music is signal encoding using pitch, conveying pragmatics and semantics in language and melody in music. We investigated how pitch processing is shared between language and music by measuring consistency in individual differences in pitch perception across language, music, and three control conditions intended to assess basic sensory and domain-general cognitive processes. Individuals' pitch perception abilities in language and music were most strongly related, even after accounting for performance in all control conditions. These results provide behavioral evidence, based on patterns of individual differences, that is consistent with the hypothesis that cognitive mechanisms for pitch processing may be shared between language and music.

NLPIR: A Theoretical Framework for Applying Natural Language Processing to Information Retrieval.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhou, Lina; Zhang, Dongsong

2003-01-01

Proposes a theoretical framework called NLPIR that integrates natural language processing (NLP) into information retrieval (IR) based on the assumption that there exists representation distance between queries and documents. Discusses problems in traditional keyword-based IR, including relevance, and describes some existing NLP techniques.…

Signature Pedagogy in Early Years Education: A Role for COTS Game-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, David; Robertson, Derek; Hudson, Alison; Shimi, Jill

2012-01-01

In this article we look at the links between early years pedagogy and the use of digital game-based learning. Early years education is a distinctive phase of the education system in many countries, generally covering the age range from 3-6 or 7 years. In the United Kingdom, it tends to bridge preschool and the first two years in primary school.…

The Old Brain, the New Mirror: Matching Teaching and Learning Styles in Foreign Language Class (Based on Neuro-Linguistic Programming).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knowles, John K.

The process of matching teaching materials and methods to the student's learning style and ability level in foreign language classes is explored. The Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) model offers a diagnostic process for the identification of style. This process can be applied to the language learning setting as a way of presenting material to…

Differential repetitive DNA composition in the centromeric region of chromosomes of Amazonian lizard species in the family Teiidae

PubMed Central

Carvalho, Natalia D. M.; Carmo, Edson; Neves, Rogerio O.; Schneider, Carlos Henrique; Gross, Maria Claudia

2016-01-01

Abstract Differences in heterochromatin distribution patterns and its composition were observed in Amazonian teiid species. Studies have shown repetitive DNA harbors heterochromatic blocks which are located in centromeric and telomeric regions in Ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758), Kentropyx calcarata (Spix, 1825), Kentropyx pelviceps (Cope, 1868), and Tupinambis teguixin (Linnaeus, 1758). In Cnemidophorus sp.1, repetitive DNA has multiple signals along all chromosomes. The aim of this study was to characterize moderately and highly repetitive DNA sequences by Cot1-DNA from Ameiva ameiva and Cnemidophorus sp.1 genomes through cloning and DNA sequencing, as well as mapping them chromosomally to better understand its organization and genome dynamics. The results of sequencing of DNA libraries obtained by Cot1-DNA showed that different microsatellites, transposons, retrotransposons, and some gene families also comprise the fraction of repetitive DNA in the teiid species. FISH using Cot1-DNA probes isolated from both Ameiva ameiva and Cnemidophorus sp.1 showed these sequences mainly located in heterochromatic centromeric, and telomeric regions in Ameiva ameiva, Kentropyx calcarata, Kentropyx pelviceps, and Tupinambis teguixin chromosomes, indicating they play structural and functional roles in the genome of these species. In Cnemidophorus sp.1, Cot1-DNA probe isolated from Ameiva ameiva had multiple interstitial signals on chromosomes, whereas mapping of Cot1-DNA isolated from the Ameiva ameiva and Cnemidophorus sp.1 highlighted centromeric regions of some chromosomes. Thus, the data obtained showed that many repetitive DNA classes are part of the genome of Ameiva ameiva, Cnemidophorus sp.1, Kentroyx calcarata, Kentropyx pelviceps, and Tupinambis teguixin, and these sequences are shared among the analyzed teiid species, but they were not always allocated at the same chromosome position. PMID:27551343

Cloud effects on the SW radiation at the surface at a mid-latitude site in southwestern Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salgueiro, Vanda; João Costa, Maria; Silva, Ana Maria; Lanconelli, Christian; Bortoli, Daniele

2017-04-01

This work presents a study of cloud radiative effects on shortwave (CRESW) radiation at the surface in Évora region (southwestern Europe) during 2015 and a case study is analyzed. CRESW (in Wm-2) is defined as the difference between the net shortwave irradiance (downward minus upward shortwave irradiance) in cloudy and clear sky conditions. This measure is usually used to translate changes in the SW radiation that reaches the surface due to changes in clouds (type and/or cover). The CRESW is obtained using measured SW irradiance recorded with a Kipp&Zonen CM 6B pyranometer (broadband 305 - 2800 nm) during the period from January to December 2015, and is related with the cloud liquid water path (LWP) and with cloud ice water path (IWP) showing the importance of the different type of clouds in attenuating the SW radiation at the surface. The cloud modification factor, also a measure of the cloud radiative effects (CMF; ratio between the measured SW irradiance under cloudy conditions and the estimated SW irradiance in clear-sky conditions) is related with the cloud optical thickness (COT; obtained from satellite data). This relation between CMF and COT is shown for different cloud fractions revealing an exponential decreasing of CMF as COT increases. Reductions in the SW radiation of the order of 80% (CMF = 0.2) as well enhancements in the SW radiation larger than 30% (CMF = 1.3) were found for small COT values and for different cloud fractions. A case study to analyse the enhancement events in a cloudy day was considered and the cloud properties, COT and LWP (from satellite and surface measurements), were related with the CRESW.

Doctors and patients in pain: Conflict and collaboration in opioid prescription in primary care.

PubMed

Esquibel, Angela Y; Borkan, Jeffrey

2014-12-01

Use of chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic noncancer pain has dramatically increased in the United States. Patients seek compassionate care and relief while physicians struggle to manage patients' pain effectively without doing harm. This study explores the narratives of chronic noncancer pain patients receiving chronic opioid therapy and those of their physicians to better understand the effects of COT on the doctor-patient relationship. A mixed method study was conducted that included in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis of 21 paired patients with chronic pain and their physicians in the following groups: patients, physicians, and patient-physician pairs. Findings revealed that patients' narratives focus on suffering from chronic pain, with emphasis on the role of opioid therapy for pain relief, and physicians' narratives describe the challenges of treating patients with chronic pain on COT. Results elucidate the perceptions of ideal vs difficult patients and show that divergent patterns surrounding the consequences, utility, and goals of COT can negatively affect the doctor-patient relationship. The use of paired interviews through a narrative lens in this exploratory study offers a novel and informative approach for clinical practice and research. The findings have significant implications for improving doctor-patient communication and health outcomes by encouraging shared decision making and goal-directed health care encounters for physicians and patients with chronic pain on COT. This study found patterns of understanding pain, opioid pain medications, and the doctor-patient relationship for patients with chronic pain and their physicians using a narrative lens. Thematic findings in this exploratory study, which include a portrayal of collaborative vs conflictual relationships, suggest areas of future intervention and investigation. Copyright © 2014 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Influences the Multilineage Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem and Progenitor Cell Lines through ROCK-Cot/Tpl2-MEK-ERK Signaling Pathway*

PubMed Central

Kusuyama, Joji; Bandow, Kenjiro; Shamoto, Mitsuo; Kakimoto, Kyoko; Ohnishi, Tomokazu; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya

2014-01-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells that can differentiate into multilineage cell types, including adipocytes and osteoblasts. Mechanical stimulus is one of the crucial factors in regulating MSC differentiation. However, it remains unknown how mechanical stimulus affects the balance between adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy is a clinical application of mechanical stimulus and facilitates bone fracture healing. Here, we applied LIPUS to adipogenic progenitor cell and MSC lines to analyze how multilineage cell differentiation was affected. We found that LIPUS suppressed adipogenic differentiation of both cell types, represented by impaired lipid droplet appearance and decreased gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (Pparg2) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (Fabp4). LIPUS also down-regulated the phosphorylation level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 protein, inhibiting its transcriptional activity. In contrast, LIPUS promoted osteogenic differentiation of the MSC line, characterized by increased cell calcification as well as inductions of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Osteocalcin mRNAs. LIPUS induced phosphorylation of cancer Osaka thyroid oncogene/tumor progression locus 2 (Cot/Tpl2) kinase, which was essential for the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and p44/p42 extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). Notably, effects of LIPUS on both adipogenesis and osteogenesis were prevented by a Cot/Tpl2-specific inhibitor. Furthermore, effects of LIPUS on MSC differentiation as well as Cot/Tpl2 phosphorylation were attenuated by the inhibition of Rho-associated kinase. Taken together, these results indicate that mechanical stimulus with LIPUS suppresses adipogenesis and promotes osteogenesis of MSCs through Rho-associated kinase-Cot/Tpl2-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. PMID:24550383

Transferring preterm infants from incubators to open cots at 1600 g: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

New, K; Flint, A; Bogossian, F; East, C; Davies, M W

2012-03-01

To determine the effects on weight gain and temperature control of transferring preterm infants from incubators to open cots at a weight of 1600 g versus a weight of 1800 g. Randomised controlled trial. One tertiary and two regional neonatal units in public hospitals in Queensland, Australia. 182 preterm infants born with a birth weight less than 1600 g, who were at least 48 h old; had not required ventilation or continuous positive airways pressure within the last 48 h; were medically stable with no oxygen requirement, or significant apnoea or bradycardia; did not require phototherapy; and were enterally fed with an intake (breast milk/formula) of at least 60 ml/kg/day. Transfer into an open cot at 1600 or 1800 g. The primary outcomes were temperature stability and average daily weight gain over the first 14 days following transfer to an open cot. 90 infants in the 1600 g group and 92 infants in the 1800 g group were included in the analysis. Over the first 72 h, more infants in the 1800 g group had temperatures <36.4°C than the 1600 g group (p=0.03). From post-transfer to discharge, the 1600 g group had more temperatures >37.1°C (p=0.02). Average daily weight gain in the 1600 g group was 17.07 (SD±4.5) g/kg/day and in the 1800 g group, 13.97 (SD±4.7) g/kg/day (p=<0.001). Medically stable, preterm infants can be transferred to open cots at a birth weight of 1600 g without any significant adverse effects on temperature stability or weight gain. ACTRN12606000518561 (http://www.anzctr.org.au).

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) influences the multilineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem and progenitor cell lines through ROCK-Cot/Tpl2-MEK-ERK signaling pathway.

PubMed

Kusuyama, Joji; Bandow, Kenjiro; Shamoto, Mitsuo; Kakimoto, Kyoko; Ohnishi, Tomokazu; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya

2014-04-11

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells that can differentiate into multilineage cell types, including adipocytes and osteoblasts. Mechanical stimulus is one of the crucial factors in regulating MSC differentiation. However, it remains unknown how mechanical stimulus affects the balance between adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy is a clinical application of mechanical stimulus and facilitates bone fracture healing. Here, we applied LIPUS to adipogenic progenitor cell and MSC lines to analyze how multilineage cell differentiation was affected. We found that LIPUS suppressed adipogenic differentiation of both cell types, represented by impaired lipid droplet appearance and decreased gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (Pparg2) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (Fabp4). LIPUS also down-regulated the phosphorylation level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 protein, inhibiting its transcriptional activity. In contrast, LIPUS promoted osteogenic differentiation of the MSC line, characterized by increased cell calcification as well as inductions of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and Osteocalcin mRNAs. LIPUS induced phosphorylation of cancer Osaka thyroid oncogene/tumor progression locus 2 (Cot/Tpl2) kinase, which was essential for the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and p44/p42 extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). Notably, effects of LIPUS on both adipogenesis and osteogenesis were prevented by a Cot/Tpl2-specific inhibitor. Furthermore, effects of LIPUS on MSC differentiation as well as Cot/Tpl2 phosphorylation were attenuated by the inhibition of Rho-associated kinase. Taken together, these results indicate that mechanical stimulus with LIPUS suppresses adipogenesis and promotes osteogenesis of MSCs through Rho-associated kinase-Cot/Tpl2-MEK-ERK signaling pathway.

7,3′,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone, a Metabolite of the Soy Isoflavone Daidzein, Suppresses Ultraviolet B-induced Skin Cancer by Targeting Cot and MKK4*

PubMed Central

Lee, Dong Eun; Lee, Ki Won; Byun, Sanguine; Jung, Sung Keun; Song, Nury; Lim, Sung Hwan; Heo, Yong-Seok; Kim, Jong Eun; Kang, Nam Joo; Kim, Bo Yeon; Bowden, G. Tim; Bode, Ann M.; Lee, Hyong Joo; Dong, Zigang

2011-01-01

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers in the United States. Chronic exposure to UVB irradiation is a major cause of this cancer. Daidzein, along with genistein, is a major isoflavone found in soybeans; however, little is known about the chemopreventive effects of daidzein and its metabolites in UVB-induced skin cancer. Here, we found that 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone (THIF), a major metabolite of daidzein, effectively inhibits UVB-induced cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression through the inhibition of NF-κB transcription activity in mouse skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells. In contrast, daidzein had no effect on COX-2 expression levels. Data from Western blot and kinase assays showed that 7,3′,4′-THIF inhibited Cot and MKK4 activity, thereby suppressing UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Pull-down assays indicated that 7,3′,4′-THIF competed with ATP to inhibit Cot or MKK4 activity. Topical application of 7,3′,4′-THIF clearly suppressed the incidence and multiplicity of UVB-induced tumors in hairless mouse skin. Hairless mouse skin results also showed that 7,3′,4′-THIF inhibits Cot or MKK4 kinase activity directly, resulting in suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression. A docking study revealed that 7,3′,4′-THIF, but not daidzein, easily docked to the ATP binding site of Cot and MKK4, which is located between the N- and C-lobes of the kinase domain. Collectively, these results provide insight into the biological actions of 7,3′,4′-THIF, a potential skin cancer chemopreventive agent. PMID:21378167

Interannual variability of high ice cloud properties over the tropics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, S.; Iwabuchi, H.

2015-12-01

The El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects atmospheric conditions and cloud physical properties such as cloud fraction (CF) and cloud top height (CTH). However, an impact of the ENSO on physical properties in high-ice cloud is not well known. Therefore, this study attempts to reveal relationship between variability of ice cloud physical properties and ENSO. Ice clouds are inferred with the multiband IR method in this study. Ice clouds are categorized in terms of cloud optical thickness (COT) as thin (0.1< COT <0.3), opaque (0.3< COT <3.6), thick (3.6< COT <11), and deep convective (DC) (11< COT) clouds, and relationship between ENSO and interannual variability of cloud physical properties is investigated for each category during the period from January 2003 to December 2014. The deseasonalized anomalies of CF and CTH in all categories correlate well with Niño3.4 index, with positive anomaly over the eastern Pacific and negative anomaly over the western Pacific during El Niño condition. However, the global distribution of these correlation coefficients is different by cloud categories. For example, CF of DC correlates well with Niño3.4 index over the convergence zone, while, that of thin cloud shows high correlation extending to high latitude from convergence zone, suggesting a connection with cloud formation. The global distributions of average rate of change differ by cloud category, because the different associate with ENSO and gradual trend toward La Niña condition had occurred over the analysis period. In this conference, detailed results and relationship between variability of cloud physical properties and atmospheric conditions will be shown.

7,3',4'-Trihydroxyisoflavone, a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein, suppresses ultraviolet B-induced skin cancer by targeting Cot and MKK4.

PubMed

Lee, Dong Eun; Lee, Ki Won; Byun, Sanguine; Jung, Sung Keun; Song, Nury; Lim, Sung Hwan; Heo, Yong-Seok; Kim, Jong Eun; Kang, Nam Joo; Kim, Bo Yeon; Bowden, G Tim; Bode, Ann M; Lee, Hyong Joo; Dong, Zigang

2011-04-22

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers in the United States. Chronic exposure to UVB irradiation is a major cause of this cancer. Daidzein, along with genistein, is a major isoflavone found in soybeans; however, little is known about the chemopreventive effects of daidzein and its metabolites in UVB-induced skin cancer. Here, we found that 7,3',4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (THIF), a major metabolite of daidzein, effectively inhibits UVB-induced cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression through the inhibition of NF-κB transcription activity in mouse skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells. In contrast, daidzein had no effect on COX-2 expression levels. Data from Western blot and kinase assays showed that 7,3',4'-THIF inhibited Cot and MKK4 activity, thereby suppressing UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Pull-down assays indicated that 7,3',4'-THIF competed with ATP to inhibit Cot or MKK4 activity. Topical application of 7,3',4'-THIF clearly suppressed the incidence and multiplicity of UVB-induced tumors in hairless mouse skin. Hairless mouse skin results also showed that 7,3',4'-THIF inhibits Cot or MKK4 kinase activity directly, resulting in suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression. A docking study revealed that 7,3',4'-THIF, but not daidzein, easily docked to the ATP binding site of Cot and MKK4, which is located between the N- and C-lobes of the kinase domain. Collectively, these results provide insight into the biological actions of 7,3',4'-THIF, a potential skin cancer chemopreventive agent.