Dynamic expression of the LAP family of genes during early development of Xenopus tropicalis.

PubMed

Yang, Qiutan; Lv, Xiaoyan; Kong, Qinghua; Li, Chaocui; Zhou, Qin; Mao, Bingyu

2011-10-01

The leucine-rich repeats and PDZ (LAP) family of genes are crucial for the maintenance of cell polarity as well as for epithelial homeostasis and tumor suppression in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Four members of this gene family are known: densin, erbin, scribble and lano. Here, we identified the four members of the LAP gene family in Xenopus tropicalis and studied their expression patterns during embryonic development. The Xenopus LAP proteins show a conserved domain structure that is similar to their homologs in other vertebrates. In Xenopus embryos, these genes were detected in animal cap cells at the early gastrula stage. At later stages of development, they were widely expressed in epithelial tissues that are highly polar in nature, including the neural epithelia, optic and otic vesicles, and in the pronephros. These data suggest that the roles of the Xenopus LAP genes in the control of cell polarity and morphogenesis are conserved during early development. Erbin and lano show similar expression patterns in the developing head, suggesting potential functional interactions between the two molecules in vivo.

Does training novices to criteria and does rapid acquisition of skills on laparoscopic simulators have predictive validity or are we just playing video games?

PubMed

Hogle, Nancy J; Widmann, Warren D; Ude, Aku O; Hardy, Mark A; Fowler, Dennis L

2008-01-01

To determine whether LapSim training (version 3.0; Surgical Science Ltd, Göteborg, Sweden) to criteria for novice PGY1 surgical residents had predictive validity for improvement in the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In all, 21 PGY1 residents performed laparoscopic cholecystectomies in pigs after minimal training; their performance was evaluated by skilled laparoscopic surgeons using the validated tool GOALS (global operative assessment of laparoscopic operative skills: depth perception, bimanual dexterity, efficiency, tissue handling, and overall competence). From the group, 10 residents trained to competency on the LapSim Basic Skills Programs (camera navigation, instrument navigation, coordination, grasping, lifting and grasping, cutting, and clip applying). All 21 PGY1 residents again performed laparoscopic cholecystectomies on pigs; their performance was again evaluated by skilled laparoscopic surgeons using GOALS. Additionally, we studied the rate of learning to determine whether the slow or fast learners on the LapSim performed equivalently when performing actual cholecystectomies in pigs. Finally, 6 categorical residents were tracked, and their clinical performance on all of the laparoscopic cholecystectomies in which they were "surgeon, junior" was prospectively evaluated using the GOALS criteria. We found a statistical improvement of depth perception in the operative performance of cholecystectomies in pigs in the group trained on the LapSim. In the other 4 domains, a trend toward improvement was observed. No correlation between being a fast learner and the ultimate skill was demonstrated in the clinical performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomies. We did find that the fast learners on LapSim all were past or current video game players ("gamers"); however, that background did not translate into better clinical performance. Using current criteria, we doubt that the time and effort spent training novice PGY1 Surgical Residents on the basic LapSim training programs is justified, as such training to competence lacks predictive validity in most domains of the GOALS program. We are investigating 2 other approaches: more difficult training exercises using the LapSim system and an entirely different approach using haptic technology (ProMis; Haptica Ltd., Ireland), which uses real instruments, with training on realistic 3-dimensional models with real rather than simulated cutting, sewing, and dissection. Although experienced video gamers achieve competency faster than nongamers on LapSim programs, that skill set does not translate into improved clinical performance.

Ligand-Assisted Protein Structure (LAPS): An Experimental Paradigm for Characterizing Cannabinoid-Receptor Ligand-Binding Domains.

PubMed

Janero, David R; Korde, Anisha; Makriyannis, Alexandros

2017-01-01

Detailed characterization of the ligand-binding motifs and structure-function correlates of the principal GPCRs of the endocannabinoid-signaling system, the cannabinoid 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2R) receptors, is essential to inform the rational design of drugs that modulate CB1R- and CB2R-dependent biosignaling for therapeutic gain. We discuss herein an experimental paradigm termed "ligand-assisted protein structure" (LAPS) that affords a means of characterizing, at the amino acid level, CB1R and CB2R structural features key to ligand engagement and receptor-dependent information transmission. For this purpose, LAPS integrates three key disciplines and methodologies: (a) medicinal chemistry: design and synthesis of high-affinity, pharmacologically active probes as reporters capable of reacting irreversibly with particular amino acids at (or in the immediate vicinity of) the ligand-binding domain of the functionally active receptor; (b) molecular and cellular biology: introduction of discrete, conservative point mutations into the target GPCR and determination of their effect on probe binding and pharmacological activity; (c) analytical chemistry: identification of the site(s) of probe-GPCR interaction through focused, bottom-up, amino acid-level proteomic identification of the probe-receptor complex using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequent in silico methods including ligand docking and computational modeling provide supplementary data on the probe-receptor interaction as defined by LAPS. Examples of LAPS as applied to human CB2R orthosteric binding site characterization for a biarylpyrazole antagonist/inverse agonist and a classical cannabinoid agonist belonging to distinct chemical classes of cannabinergic compounds are given as paradigms for further application of this methodology to other therapeutic protein targets. LAPS is well positioned to complement other experimental and in silico methods in contemporary structural biology such as X-ray crystallography. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mutation in TOR1AIP1 encoding LAP1B in a form of muscular dystrophy: a novel gene related to nuclear envelopathies.

PubMed

Kayman-Kurekci, Gulsum; Talim, Beril; Korkusuz, Petek; Sayar, Nilufer; Sarioglu, Turkan; Oncel, Ibrahim; Sharafi, Parisa; Gundesli, Hulya; Balci-Hayta, Burcu; Purali, Nuhan; Serdaroglu-Oflazer, Piraye; Topaloglu, Haluk; Dincer, Pervin

2014-07-01

We performed genome-wide homozygosity mapping and mapped a novel myopathic phenotype to chromosomal region 1q25 in a consanguineous family with three affected individuals manifesting proximal and distal weakness and atrophy, rigid spine and contractures of the proximal and distal interphalangeal hand joints. Additionally, cardiomyopathy and respiratory involvement were noted. DNA sequencing of torsinA-interacting protein 1 (TOR1AIP1) gene encoding lamina-associated polypeptide 1B (LAP1B), showed a homozygous c.186delG mutation that causes a frameshift resulting in a premature stop codon (p.E62fsTer25). We observed that expression of LAP1B was absent in the patient skeletal muscle fibres. Ultrastructural examination showed intact sarcomeric organization but alterations of the nuclear envelope including nuclear fragmentation, chromatin bleb formation and naked chromatin. LAP1B is a type-2 integral membrane protein localized in the inner nuclear membrane that binds to both A- and B-type lamins, and is involved in the regulation of torsinA ATPase. Interestingly, luminal domain-like LAP1 (LULL1)-an endoplasmic reticulum-localized partner of torsinA-was overexpressed in the patient's muscle in the absence of LAP1B. Therefore, the findings suggest that LAP1 and LULL1 might have a compensatory effect on each other. This study expands the spectrum of genes associated with nuclear envelopathies and highlights the critical function for LAP1B in striated muscle. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visually Lossless Data Compression for Real-Time Frame/Pushbroom Space Science Imagers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeh, Pen-Shu; Venbrux, Jack; Bhatia, Prakash; Miller, Warner H.

2000-01-01

A visually lossless data compression technique is currently being developed for space science applications under the requirement of high-speed push-broom scanning. The technique is also applicable to frame based imaging and is error-resilient in that error propagation is contained within a few scan lines. The algorithm is based on a block transform of a hybrid of modulated lapped transform (MLT) and discrete cosine transform (DCT), or a 2-dimensional lapped transform, followed by bit-plane encoding; this combination results in an embedded bit string with exactly the desirable compression rate as desired by the user. The approach requires no unique table to maximize its performance. The compression scheme performs well on a suite of test images typical of images from spacecraft instruments. Flight qualified hardware implementations are in development; a functional chip set is expected by the end of 2001. The chip set is being designed to compress data in excess of 20 Msamples/sec and support quantizations from 2 to 16 bits.

Impaired circulating CD4+ LAP+ regulatory T cells in patients with acute coronary syndrome and its mechanistic study.

PubMed

Zhu, Zheng-Feng; Meng, Kai; Zhong, Yu-Cheng; Qi, Liang; Mao, Xiao-Bo; Yu, Kun-Wu; Zhang, Wei; Zhu, Peng-Fei; Ren, Ze-Peng; Wu, Bang-Wei; Ji, Qin-Wei; Wang, Xiang; Zeng, Qiu-Tang

2014-01-01

CD4(+) latency-associated peptide (LAP)(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a newly discovered T cell subset in humans and the role of these cells in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been explored. We designed to investigate whether circulating frequency and function of CD4(+)LAP(+) Tregs are defective in ACS. One hundred eleven ACS patients (acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina) and 117 control patients were enrolled in the study. The control patients consisted of chronic stable angina (CSA) and chest pain syndrome (CPS). The frequencies of circulating CD4(+)LAP(+) Tregs and the expression of the transmembrane protein glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP) on CD4(+) T cells were determined by flow cytometry. The function of CD4(+)LAP(+) Tregs was detected using thymidine uptake. Serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β protein (TGF-β) levels were detected using ELISA and expression of GARP mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured by real time-polymerase chain reaction. We found ACS patients had a significantly lower frequency of circulating CD4(+)LAP(+) Tregs, and the function of these cells was reduced compared to controls. The expression of GARP in CD4(+) T cells and the serum levels of TGF-β in ACS patients were lower than those of control patients. The serum levels of IL-10 were similar between the two cohorts. A novel regulatory T cell subset, defined as CD4(+)LAP(+) T cells is defective in ACS patients.

The Effect of Electroencephalogram (EEG) Reference Choice on Information-Theoretic Measures of the Complexity and Integration of EEG Signals

PubMed Central

Trujillo, Logan T.; Stanfield, Candice T.; Vela, Ruben D.

2017-01-01

Converging evidence suggests that human cognition and behavior emerge from functional brain networks interacting on local and global scales. We investigated two information-theoretic measures of functional brain segregation and integration—interaction complexity CI(X), and integration I(X)—as applied to electroencephalographic (EEG) signals and how these measures are affected by choice of EEG reference. CI(X) is a statistical measure of the system entropy accounted for by interactions among its elements, whereas I(X) indexes the overall deviation from statistical independence of the individual elements of a system. We recorded 72 channels of scalp EEG from human participants who sat in a wakeful resting state (interleaved counterbalanced eyes-open and eyes-closed blocks). CI(X) and I(X) of the EEG signals were computed using four different EEG references: linked-mastoids (LM) reference, average (AVG) reference, a Laplacian (LAP) “reference-free” transformation, and an infinity (INF) reference estimated via the Reference Electrode Standardization Technique (REST). Fourier-based power spectral density (PSD), a standard measure of resting state activity, was computed for comparison and as a check of data integrity and quality. We also performed dipole source modeling in order to assess the accuracy of neural source CI(X) and I(X) estimates obtained from scalp-level EEG signals. CI(X) was largest for the LAP transformation, smallest for the LM reference, and at intermediate values for the AVG and INF references. I(X) was smallest for the LAP transformation, largest for the LM reference, and at intermediate values for the AVG and INF references. Furthermore, across all references, CI(X) and I(X) reliably distinguished between resting-state conditions (larger values for eyes-open vs. eyes-closed). These findings occurred in the context of the overall expected pattern of resting state PSD. Dipole modeling showed that simulated scalp EEG-level CI(X) and I(X) reflected changes in underlying neural source dependencies, but only for higher levels of integration and with highest accuracy for the LAP transformation. Our observations suggest that the Laplacian-transformation should be preferred for the computation of scalp-level CI(X) and I(X) due to its positive impact on EEG signal quality and statistics, reduction of volume-conduction, and the higher accuracy this provides when estimating scalp-level EEG complexity and integration. PMID:28790884

Critical induction a key quantity for the optimisation of transformer core operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilo, A.; Pfützner, H.; Nakata, T.

2000-06-01

No-load losses P of transformers core have been considerably decreased through introduction of the so-called multi-step-lap designs. However, profound guidelines for the optimum step-number N do not exist. This study shows that the combination of both N and working induction B characterises the flux distribution. Transformer cores can operate in an over or an under-critical way depending on N and B.

Immunocytochemical localization of latent transforming growth factor-beta1 activation by stimulated macrophages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chong, H.; Vodovotz, Y.; Cox, G. W.; Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

1999-01-01

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta) is secreted in a latent form consisting of mature TGF-beta noncovalently associated with its amino-terminal propeptide, which is called latency associated peptide (LAP). Biological activity depends upon the release of TGF-beta from the latent complex following extracellular activation, which appears to be the key regulatory mechanism controlling TGF-beta action. We have identified two events associated with latent TGF-beta (LTGF-beta) activation in vivo: increased immunoreactivity of certain antibodies that specifically detect TGF-beta concomitant with decreased immunoreactivity of antibodies to LAP. Macrophages stimulated in vitro with interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide reportedly activate LTGF-beta via cell membrane-bound protease activity. We show through dual immunostaining of paraformaldehyde-fixed macrophages that such physiological TGF-beta activation is accompanied by a loss of LAP immunoreactivity with concomitant revelation of TGF-beta epitopes. The induction of TGF-beta immunoreactivity colocalized with immunoreactive betaglycan/RIII in activated macrophages, suggesting that LTGF-beta activation occurs on the cell surface. Confocal microscopy of metabolically active macrophages incubated with antibodies to TGF-beta and betaglycan/RIII prior to fixation supported the localization of activation to the cell surface. The ability to specifically detect and localize LTGF-beta activation provides an important tool for studies of its regulation.

H/L chondrite LaPaz Icefield 031047 - A feather of Icarus?

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

Wittmann, Axel; Friedrich, Jon M; Troiano, Julianne

2011-10-28

Antarctic meteorite LAP 031047 is an ordinary chondrite composed of loosely consolidated chondritic fragments. Its petrography, oxygen isotopic composition and geochemical inventory are ambiguous and indicate an intermediate character between H and L chondrites. Petrographic indicators suggest LAP 031047 suffered a shock metamorphic overprint below ~10 GPa, which did not destroy its unusually high porosity of ~27 vol%. Metallographic textures in LAP 031047 indicate heating above ~700 °C and subsequent cooling, which caused massive transformation of taenite to kamacite. The depletion of thermally labile trace elements, the crystallization of chondritic glass to microcrystalline plagioclase of unusual composition, and the occurrencemore » of coarsely crystallized chondrule fragments is further evidence for post-metamorphic heating to ~700-750 °C. However, this heating event had a transient character because olivine and low-Ca pyroxene did not equilibrate. Nearly complete degassing up to very high temperatures is indicated by the thorough resetting of LAP 031047's Ar-Ar reservoir ~100 ± 55 Ma ago. A noble gas cosmic-ray exposure age indicates it was reduced to a meter-size fragment at <0.5 Ma. In light of the fact that shock heating cannot account for the thermal history of LAP 031047 in its entirety, we test the hypothesis that this meteorite belonged to the near-surface of an Aten or Apollo asteroid that underwent heating during orbital passages close to the Sun.« less

Aspects of nuclear envelope dynamics in mitotic cells.

PubMed

Burke, Brian; Shanahan, Catherine; Salina, Davide; Crisp, Melissa

2005-01-01

Major features of the nuclear envelope (NE) are a pair of inner and outer nuclear membranes (INM, ONM) spanned by nuclear pore complexes. While the composition of the ONM resembles that of the endoplasmic reticulum, the INM contains a unique spectrum of proteins. Localization of INM proteins involves a mechanism of selective retention whereby integral proteins are immobilized and concentrated by virtue of interactions with nuclear components. In the case of emerin, INM localization involves interaction with A-type lamins. Interactions between membrane proteins may also play a significant role in INM localization. This conclusion stems from studies on nesprins, a family of membrane proteins that feature a large cytoplasmic domain, a single C-terminal membrane-spanning domain and a small lumenal domain. The nesprin membrane anchor and lumenal (KASH) domains are related to the Drosophila Klarsicht protein. Evidence is emerging that this KASH region interacts with other NE proteins and may influence their distributions. Overexpression of GFP-KASH causes loss of emerin and LAP2 from the NE. This is not due to global reorganization of the NE since LAP1 as well as lamins and NPCs remain unaffected. Our results suggest that interactions between NE membrane components are far more extensive and complex than current models suggest.

Latent transforming growth factor beta1 activation in situ: quantitative and functional evidence after low-dose gamma-irradiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ehrhart, E. J.; Segarini, P.; Tsang, M. L.; Carroll, A. G.; Barcellos-Hoff, M. H.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

1997-01-01

The biological activity of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta) is controlled by its secretion as a latent complex in which it is noncovalently associated with latency-associated peptide (LAP). Activation is the extracellular process in which TGF-beta is released from LAP, and is considered to be a primary regulatory control. We recently reported rapid and persistent changes in TGF-beta immunoreactivity in conjunction with extracellular matrix remodeling in gamma-irradiated mouse mammary gland. Our hypothesis is that these specific changes in immunoreactivity are indicative of latent TGF-beta activation. In the present study, we determined the radiation dose response and tested whether a functional relationship exists between radiation-induced TGF-beta and collagen type III remodeling. After radiation exposures as low as 0.1 Gy, we detected increased TGF-beta immunoreactivity in the mammary epithelium concomitant with decreased LAP immunostaining, which are events consistent with activation. Quantitative image analysis demonstrated a significant (P=0.0005) response at 0.1 Gy without an apparent threshold and a linear dose response to 5 Gy. However, in the adipose stroma, loss of LAP demonstrated a qualitative threshold at 0.5 Gy. Loss of LAP paralleled induction of collagen III immunoreactivity in this tissue compartment. We tested whether TGF-beta mediates collagen III expression by treating animals with TGF-beta panspecific monoclonal antibody, 1D11.16, administered i.p. shortly before irradiation. Radiation-induced collagen III staining in the adipose stroma was blocked in an antibody dose-dependent manner, which persisted through 7 days postirradiation. RNase protection assay revealed that radiation-induced elevation of total gland collagen III mRNA was also blocked by neutralizing antibody treatment. These data provide functional confirmation of the hypothesis that radiation exposure leads to latent TGF-beta activation, support our interpretation of the reciprocal shift in immunoreactivity as evidence of activation, and implicate TGF-beta as a mediator of tissue response to ionizing radiation. The sensitivity of activation to low radiation doses points to a potential role for TGF-beta in orchestrating tissue response to oxidative stress. As such, radiation may be useful as a probe to delineate the consequences of latent TGF-beta activation in situ.

Plant Leucine Aminopeptidases Moonlight as Molecular Chaperones to Alleviate Stress-induced Damage*

PubMed Central

Scranton, Melissa A.; Yee, Ashley; Park, Sang-Youl; Walling, Linda L.

2012-01-01

Leucine aminopeptidases (LAPs) are present in animals, plants, and microbes. In plants, there are two classes of LAPs. The neutral LAPs (LAP-N and its orthologs) are constitutively expressed and detected in all plants, whereas the stress-induced acidic LAPs (LAP-A) are expressed only in a subset of the Solanaceae. LAPs have a role in insect defense and act as a regulator of the late branch of wound signaling in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). Although the mechanism of LAP-A action is unknown, it has been presumed that LAP peptidase activity is essential for regulating wound signaling. Here we show that plant LAPs are bifunctional. Using three assays to monitor protein protection from heat-induced damage, it was shown that the tomato LAP-A and LAP-N and the Arabidopsis thaliana LAP1 and LAP2 are molecular chaperones. Assays using LAP-A catalytic site mutants demonstrated that LAP-A chaperone activity was independent of its peptidase activity. Furthermore, disruption of the LAP-A hexameric structure increased chaperone activity. Together, these data identify a new class of molecular chaperones and a new function for the plant LAPs as well as suggesting new mechanisms for LAP action in the defense of solanaceous plants against stress. PMID:22493451

Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy on Communication and Basic Social Skills of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Scorzato, Ivano; Zaninotto, Leonardo; Romano, Michela; Menardi, Chiara; Cavedon, Lino; Pegoraro, Alessandra; Socche, Laura; Zanetti, Piera; Coppiello, Deborah

2017-06-01

Thirty-nine adults with severe to profound intellectual disability (ID) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 18). Assessment was blinded and included selected items from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the Behavioral Assessment Battery (BAB), and the Learning Accomplishment Profile (LAP). The experimental group, who attended a dog-assisted treatment intervention over a 20-week period, showed significant improvements in several cognitive domains, including attention to movement (BAB-AM), visuomotor coordination (BAB-VM), exploratory play (BAB-EP), and motor imitation (BAB-CO-MI), as well as in some social skills, as measured by LAP items. Effects were specific to the intervention and independent of age or basic level of disability.

Operational specification and forecasting advances for Dst, LEO thermospheric densities, and aviation radiation dose and dose rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobiska, W.; Knipp, D. J.; Burke, W. J.; Bouwer, D.; Bailey, J. J.; Hagan, M. P.; Didkovsky, L. V.; Garrett, H. B.; Bowman, B. R.; Gannon, J. L.; Atwell, W.; Blake, J. B.; Crain, W.; Rice, D.; Schunk, R. W.; Fulgham, J.; Bell, D.; Gersey, B.; Wilkins, R.; Fuschino, R.; Flynn, C.; Cecil, K.; Mertens, C. J.; Xu, X.; Crowley, G.; Reynolds, A.; Azeem, S. I.; Wiley, S.; Holland, M.; Malone, K.

2013-12-01

Space weather's effects upon the near-Earth environment are due to dynamic changes in the energy transfer processes from the Sun's photons, particles, and fields. Of the space environment domains that are affected by space weather, the magnetosphere, thermosphere, and even troposphere are key regions that are affected. Space Environment Technologies (SET) has developed and is producing innovative space weather applications. Key operational systems for providing timely information about the effects of space weather on these domains are SET's Magnetosphere Alert and Prediction System (MAPS), LEO Alert and Prediction System (LAPS), and Automated Radiation Measurements for Aviation Safety (ARMAS) system. MAPS provides a forecast Dst index out to 6 days through the data-driven, redundant data stream Anemomilos algorithm. Anemomilos uses observational proxies for the magnitude, location, and velocity of solar ejecta events. This forecast index is used by satellite operations to characterize upcoming geomagnetic storms, for example. LAPS is the SET fully redundant operational system providing recent history, current epoch, and forecast solar and geomagnetic indices for use in operational versions of the JB2008 thermospheric density model. The thermospheric densities produced by that system, driven by the LAPS data, are forecast to 72-hours to provide the global mass densities for satellite operators. ARMAS is a project that has successfully demonstrated the operation of a micro dosimeter on aircraft to capture the real-time radiation environment due to Galactic Cosmic Rays and Solar Energetic Particles. The dose and dose-rates are captured on aircraft, downlinked in real-time via the Iridium satellites, processed on the ground, incorporated into the most recent NAIRAS global radiation climatology data runs, and made available to end users via the web and smart phone apps. ARMAS provides the 'weather' of the radiation environment to improve air-crew and passenger safety. Many of the data products from MAPS, LAPS, and ARMAS are available on the SpaceWx smartphone app for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android professional users and public space weather education. We describe recent forecasting advances for moving the space weather information from these automated systems into operational, derivative products for communications, aviation, and satellite operations uses.

The role of Listeria monocytogenes cell wall surface anchor protein LapB in virulence, adherence, and intracellular replication

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Lmof2365_2117 is a Listeria monocytogenes putative cell wall surface anchor protein with a conserved domain found in collagen binding proteins. We constructed a deletion mutation in lmof2365_2117 in serotype 4b strain F2365, evaluated its virulence, and determined its ability to adhere and invade co...

Sequential lineup laps and eyewitness accuracy.

PubMed

Steblay, Nancy K; Dietrich, Hannah L; Ryan, Shannon L; Raczynski, Jeanette L; James, Kali A

2011-08-01

Police practice of double-blind sequential lineups prompts a question about the efficacy of repeated viewings (laps) of the sequential lineup. Two laboratory experiments confirmed the presence of a sequential lap effect: an increase in witness lineup picks from first to second lap, when the culprit was a stranger. The second lap produced more errors than correct identifications. In Experiment 2, lineup diagnosticity was significantly higher for sequential lineup procedures that employed a single versus double laps. Witnesses who elected to view a second lap made significantly more errors than witnesses who chose to stop after one lap or those who were required to view two laps. Witnesses with prior exposure to the culprit did not exhibit a sequential lap effect.

Detecting severity of delamination in a lap joint using S-parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, M. M.; Huang, H.

2018-03-01

The scattering parameters (S-parameters) represent the frequency response of a two-port linear time-invariant network. Treating a lap joint structure instrumented with two piezoelectric wafer active transducers (PWaTs) as such a network, this paper investigates the application of the S-parameters for detecting the severity of delamination in the lap joint. The pulse-echo signal calculated from the reflection coefficients, namely the S 11 and S 22-parameters, can be divided into three signals, i.e. the excitation, resonant, and echo signals, based on their respective time spans. Analyzing the effects of the delamination on the resonant signal enables us to identify the resonance at which the resonant characteristics of the PWaTs are least sensitive to the delamination. Only at this resonance, we found that the reflection coefficients and the amplitude of the first arrival echo signal changed monotonously with the increase of the delamination length. This discovery is further validated by the time-domain pitch-catch signal calculated from the transmission coefficient (i.e. the S 21-parameter). In addition, comparing the pulse-echo signals obtained from both PWaTs enables us to determine the side of the lap joint that the delamination is located at. This work establishes the S-parameters as an effective tool to evaluate the effects of damage on the PWaT resonant characteristics, based on which the PWaT resonance can be selected judiciously for damage severity detection. Correlating the reflection and transmission coefficients also provide addition validations that increase the detection confidence.

C/EBPβ-LAP*/LAP Expression Is Mediated by RSK/eIF4B-Dependent Signalling and Boosted by Increased Protein Stability in Models of Monocytic Differentiation

PubMed Central

Christmann, Martin; Friesenhagen, Judith; Westphal, Andreas; Pietsch, Daniel; Brand, Korbinian

2015-01-01

The transcription factor C/EBPβ plays a key role in monocytic differentiation and inflammation. Its small isoform LIP is associated with proliferation at early premonocytic developmental stages and regulated via mTOR-dependent signalling. During later stages of (pre)monocytic differentiation there is a considerable increase in the large C/EBPβ isoforms LAP*/LAP which inhibit proliferation thus supporting terminal differentiation. Here, we showed in different models of monocytic differentiation that this dramatic increase in the LAP*/LAP protein and LAP/LIP ratio was accompanied by an only modest/retarded mRNA increase suggesting an important role for (post)translational mechanisms. We found that LAP*/LAP formation was induced via MEK/RSK-dependent cascades, whereas mTOR/S6K1 were not involved. Remarkably, LAP*/LAP expression was dependent on phosphorylated eIF4B, an acceleratory protein of RNA helicase eIF4A. PKR inhibition reduced the expression of eIF4B and C/EBPβ in an eIF2α-independent manner. Furthermore, under our conditions a marked stabilisation of LAP*/LAP protein occurred, accompanied by reduced chymotrypsin-like proteasome/calpain activities and increased calpastatin levels. Our study elucidates new signalling pathways inducing LAP*/LAP expression and indicates new alternative PKR functions in monocytes. The switch from mTOR- to RSK-mediated signalling to orchestrate eIF4B-dependent LAP*/LAP translation, accompanied by increased protein stability but only small mRNA changes, may be a prototypical example for the regulation of protein expression during selected processes of differentiation/proliferation. PMID:26646662

TGF-β induces surface LAP expression on murine CD4 T cells independent of Foxp3 induction.

PubMed

Oida, Takatoku; Weiner, Howard L

2010-11-24

It has been reported that human FOXP3(+) CD4 Tregs express GARP-anchored surface latency-associated peptide (LAP) after activation, based on the use of an anti-human LAP mAb. Murine CD4 Foxp3(+) Tregs have also been reported to express surface LAP, but these studies have been hampered by the lack of suitable anti-mouse LAP mAbs. We generated anti-mouse LAP mAbs by immunizing TGF-β(-/-) animals with a mouse Tgfb1-transduced P3U1 cell line. Using these antibodies, we demonstrated that murine Foxp3(+) CD4 Tregs express LAP on their surface. In addition, retroviral transduction of Foxp3 into mouse CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells induced surface LAP expression. We then examined surface LAP expression after treating CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells with TGF-β and found that TGF-β induced surface LAP not only on T cells that became Foxp3(+) but also on T cells that remained Foxp3(-) after TGF-β treatment. GARP expression correlated with the surface LAP expression, suggesting that surface LAP is GARP-anchored also in murine T cells. Unlike human CD4 T cells, surface LAP expression on mouse CD4 T cells is controlled by Foxp3 and TGF-β. Our newly described anti-mouse LAP mAbs will provide a useful tool for the investigation and functional analysis of T cells that express LAP on their surface.

Molecular cloning and characterization of leucine aminopeptidase from Fasciola gigantica.

PubMed

Changklungmoa, Narin; Chaithirayanon, Kulathida; Kueakhai, Pornanan; Meemon, Krai; Riengrojpitak, Suda; Sobhon, Prasert

2012-07-01

M17 leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is one of a family of metalloexopeptidases, of which short peptide fragments are cleaved from the N-terminals. In this study, the full length of cDNA encoding Fasciola gigantica LAP (FgLAP) was cloned from adult parasites. The amino acid sequences of FgLAP showed a high degree of identity (98%) with that from Fasciola hepatica and a low degree of identities (11% and 9%) with those from cattle and human. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the FgLAP was closely related and grouped with F. hepatica LAP (FhLAP). Northern analysis showed that FgLAP transcriptional products have 1800 base pairs. Analysis by RNA in situ hybridization indicated that LAP gene was expressed in the cecal epithelial cells of adult parasites. A polyclonal antibody to a recombinant FgLAP (rFgLAP) detected the native LAP protein in various developmental stages of the parasite. In a functional test, this rFgLAP displayed aminolytic activity using a fluorogenic Leu-MCA substrate, and was significantly inhibited by bestatin. Its maximum activity was at pH 8.0 and enhanced by Mn(2+) ions. Localization of LAP proteins by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques indicated that the enzyme was distributed in the apical cytoplasm of cecal epithelial cells. Because of its important metabolic role and fairly exposed position, FgLAP is a potential drug target and a possible vaccine candidate against fasciolosis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mineralogy, Petrology and Oxygen Fugacity of the LaPaz Icefield Lunar Basaltic Meteorites and the Origin of Evolved Lunar Basalts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, S. J.; Righter, K.; Brandon, A. D.

2005-01-01

LAP 02205 is a 1.2 kg lunar mare basalt meteorite found in the Lap Paz ice field of Antarctica in 2002 [1]. Four similar meteorites were also found within the same region [1] and all five have a combined mass of 1.9 kg (LAP 02224, LAP 02226, LAP 02436 and LAP 03632, hereafter called the LAP meteorites). The LAP meteorites all contain a similar texture, mineral assemblage, and composition. A lunar origin for these samples comes from O isotopic data for LAP 02205 [1], Fe/Mn ratios of pyroxenes [1-5], and the presence of distinct lunar mineralogy such as Fe metal and baddeleyite. The LAP meteorites may represent an area of the Moon, which has never been sampled by Apollo missions, or by other lunar meteorites. The data from this study will be used to compare the LAP meteorites to Apollo mare basalts and lunar basaltic meteorites, and will ultimately help to constrain their origin.

Measurement of longitudinal strain and estimation of peel stress in adhesive-bonded single-lap joint of CFRP adherend using embedded FBG sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, X.; Murayama, H.; Kageyama, K.; Uzawa, K.; Wada, D.

2012-04-01

In this research, longitudinal strain and peel stress in adhesive-bonded single-lap joint of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) were measured and estimated by embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor. Two unidirectional CFRP substrates were bonded by epoxy to form a single-lap configuration. The distributed strain measurement system is used. It is based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), which can provide measurement at an arbitrary position along FBG sensors with the high spatial resolution. The longitudinal strain was measured based on Bragg grating effect and the peel stress was estimated based on birefringence effect. Special manufacturing procedure was developed to ensure the embedded location of FBG sensor. A portion of the FBG sensor was embedded into one of CFRP adherends along fiber direction and another portion was kept free for temperature compensation. Photomicrograph of cross-section of specimen was taken to verify the sensor was embedded into proper location after adherend curing. The residual strain was monitored during specimen curing and adhesive joint bonding process. Tensile tests were carried out and longitudinal strain and peel stress of the bondline are measured and estimated by the embedded FBG sensor. A two-dimensional geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis was performed by ANSYS to evaluate the measurement precision.

Deformation measurement for a rotating deformable lap based on inverse fringe projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Min; Zhang, Qican

2015-03-01

The active deformable lap (also namely stressed lap) is an efficient polishing tool in optical manufacturing. To measure the dynamic deformation caused by outside force on a deformable lap is important and helpful to the opticians to ensure the performance of a deformable lap as expected. In this paper, a manual deformable lap was designed to simulate the dynamic deformation of an active stressed lap, and a measurement system was developed based on inverse projected fringe technique to restore the 3D shape. A redesigned inverse fringe has been projected onto the surface of the measured lap, and the deformations of the tested lap become much obvious and can be easily and quickly evaluated by Fourier fringe analysis. Compared with the conventional projection, this technique is more obvious, and it should be a promising one in the deformation measurement of the active stressed lap in optical manufacturing.

The induction of tomato leucine aminopeptidase genes (LapA) after Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato infection is primarily a wound response triggered by coronatine.

PubMed

Pautot, V; Holzer, F M; Chaufaux, J; Walling, L L

2001-02-01

Tomato plants constitutively express a neutral leucine aminopeptidase (LAP-N) and an acidic LAP (LAP-A) during floral development and in leaves in response to insect infestation, wounding, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato infection. To assess the physiological roles of LAP-A, a LapA-antisense construct (35S:asLapA1) was introduced into tomato. The 35S:asLapA1 plants had greatly reduced or showed undetectable levels of LAP-A and LAP-N proteins in healthy and wounded leaves and during floral development. Despite the loss of these aminopeptidases, no global changes in protein profiles were noted. The 35S:asLapA1 plants also exhibited no significant alteration in floral development and did not impact the growth and development of Manduca sexta and P. syringae pv. tomato growth rates during compatible or incompatible infections. To investigate the mechanism underlying the strong induction of LapA upon P. syringae pv. tomato infection, LapA expression was monitored after infection with coronatine-producing and -deficient P. syringae pv. tomato strains. LapA RNA and activity were detected only with the coronatine-producing P. syringae pv. tomato strain. Coronatine treatment of excised shoots caused increases in RNAs for jasmonic acid (JA)-regulated wound-response genes (LapA and pin2) but did not influence expression of a JA-regulated pathogenesis-related protein gene (PR-1). These results indicated that coronatine mimicked the wound response but was insufficient to activate JA-regulated PR genes.

Operational specification and forecasting advances for Dst, LEO thermospheric densities, and aviation radiation dose and dose rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobiska, W. Kent

Space weather’s effects upon the near-Earth environment are due to dynamic changes in the energy transfer processes from the Sun’s photons, particles, and fields. Of the space environment domains that are affected by space weather, the magnetosphere, thermosphere, and even troposphere are key regions that are affected. Space Environment Technologies (SET) has developed and is producing innovative space weather applications. Key operational systems for providing timely information about the effects of space weather on these domains are SET’s Magnetosphere Alert and Prediction System (MAPS), LEO Alert and Prediction System (LAPS), and Automated Radiation Measurements for Aviation Safety (ARMAS) system. MAPS provides a forecast Dst index out to 6 days through the data-driven, redundant data stream Anemomilos algorithm. Anemomilos uses observational proxies for the magnitude, location, and velocity of solar ejecta events. This forecast index is used by satellite operations to characterize upcoming geomagnetic storms, for example. In addition, an ENLIL/Rice Dst prediction out to several days has also been developed and will be described. LAPS is the SET fully redundant operational system providing recent history, current epoch, and forecast solar and geomagnetic indices for use in operational versions of the JB2008 thermospheric density model. The thermospheric densities produced by that system, driven by the LAPS data, are forecast to 72-hours to provide the global mass densities for satellite operators. ARMAS is a project that has successfully demonstrated the operation of a micro dosimeter on aircraft to capture the real-time radiation environment due to Galactic Cosmic Rays and Solar Energetic Particles. The dose and dose-rates are captured on aircraft, downlinked in real-time via the Iridium satellites, processed on the ground, incorporated into the most recent NAIRAS global radiation climatology data runs, and made available to end users via the web and smart phone apps. ARMAS provides the “weather” of the radiation environment to improve air-crew and passenger safety. Many of the data products from MAPS, LAPS, and ARMAS are available on the SpaceWx smartphone app for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android professional users and public space weather education. We describe recent forecasting advances for moving the space weather information from these automated systems into operational, derivative products for communications, aviation, and satellite operations uses.

Lapping slurry

DOEpatents

Simandl, Ronald F.; Upchurch, Victor S.; Leitten, Michael E.

1999-01-01

Improved lapping slurries provide for easier and more thorough cleaning of alumina workpieces, as well as inhibit corrosion of the lapping table and provide for easier cleaning of the lapping equipment. The unthickened lapping slurry comprises abrasive grains such as diamond abrasive dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine, and triethanolamine. The thickened lapping slurry comprises abrasive grains such as diamond abrasive dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine, triethanolamine, a water soluble silicate, and acid.

In vitro modulation of the interaction between HA95 and LAP2beta by cAMP signaling.

PubMed

Martins, Sandra B; Marstad, Anne; Collas, Philippe

2003-09-09

The nuclear envelope mediates key functions by interacting with chromatin. We recently reported an interaction between the chromatin- and nuclear matrix-associated protein HA95 and the inner nuclear membrane integral protein LAP2beta, implicated in initiation of DNA replication (Martins et al. (2003) J. Cell Biol. 160, 177-188). Here, we show that in vitro, interaction between HA95 and LAP2beta is modulated by cAMP signaling via PKA. Exposure of an anti-HA95 immune precipitate from interphase HeLa cells to a mitotic extract promotes ATP-dependent release of LAP2beta from the HA95 complex. This coincides with Ser and Thr phosphorylation of HA95 and LAP2beta. Inhibition of PKA with PKI abolishes phosphorylation of HA95 and dissociation of LAP2beta from HA95, although LAPbeta remains phosphorylated. Antagonizing cAMP signaling in mitotic extract also abolishes the release of LAP2beta from HA95; however, disrupting PKA anchoring to A-kinase anchoring proteins has no effect. Inhibition of CDK activity in the extract greatly reduces LAP2beta phosphorylation but does not prevent LAP2beta release from HA95. Inhibition of PKC, MAP kinase, or CaM kinase II does not affect mitotic extract-induced dissociation of LAP2beta from HA95. PKA phosphorylates HA95 but not LAP2beta in vitro and elicits a release of LAP2beta from HA95. CDK1 or PKC phosphorylates LAP2beta within the HA95 complex, but neither kinase induces LAP2beta release. Our results indicate that in vitro, the interaction between HA95 and LAP2beta is influenced by a PKA-mediated phosphorylation of HA95 rather than by CDK1- or PKC-mediated phosphorylation of LAP2beta. This suggests an additional level of regulation of a chromatin-nuclear envelope interaction in dividing cells.

Extracellular enzyme activity and microbial diversity measured on seafloor exposed basalts from Loihi seamount indicate the importance of basalts to global biogeochemical cycling.

PubMed

Jacobson Meyers, Myrna E; Sylvan, Jason B; Edwards, Katrina J

2014-08-01

Seafloor basalts are widely distributed and host diverse prokaryotic communities, but no data exist concerning the metabolic rates of the resident microbial communities. We present here potential extracellular enzyme activities of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) measured on basalt samples from different locations on Loihi Seamount, HI, coupled with analysis of prokaryotic biomass and pyrosequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The community maximum potential enzyme activity (Vmax) of LAP ranged from 0.47 to 0.90 nmol (g rock)(-1) h(-1); the Vmax for AP was 28 to 60 nmol (g rock)(-1) h(-1). The Km of LAP ranged from 26 to 33 μM, while the Km for AP was 2 to 7 μM. Bacterial communities on Loihi basalts were comprised primarily of Alpha-, Delta-, andGammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Planctomycetes. The putative ability to produce LAP is evenly distributed across the most commonly detected bacterial orders, but the ability to produce AP is likely dominated by bacteria in the orders Xanthomonadales, Flavobacteriales, and Planctomycetales. The enzyme activities on Loihi basalts were compared to those of other marine environments that have been studied and were found to be similar in magnitude to those from continental shelf sediments and orders of magnitude higher than any measured in the water column, demonstrating that the potential for exposed basalts to transform organic matter is substantial. We propose that microbial communities on basaltic rock play a significant, quantifiable role in benthic biogeochemical processes. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Lapping slurry

DOEpatents

Simandl, R.F.; Upchurch, V.S.; Leitten, M.E.

1999-01-05

Improved lapping slurries provide for easier and more thorough cleaning of alumina work pieces, as well as inhibit corrosion of the lapping table and provide for easier cleaning of the lapping equipment. The unthickened lapping slurry comprises abrasive grains such as diamond abrasive dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine, and triethanolamine. The thickened lapping slurry comprises abrasive grains such as diamond abrasive dispersed in a carrier comprising water, glycerine, triethanolamine, a water soluble silicate, and acid. 1 fig.

Use of two-dimensional transmission photoelastic models to study stresses in double-lap bolted joints: Load transfer and stresses in the inner lap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyer, M. W.

1980-01-01

The determination of the stress distribution in the inner lap of double-lap, double-bolt joints using photoelastic models of the joint is discussed. The principal idea is to fabricate the inner lap of a photoelastic material and to use a photoelastically sensitive material for the two outer laps. With this setup, polarized light transmitted through the stressed model responds principally to the stressed inner lap. The model geometry, the procedures for making and testing the model, and test results are described.

Fatigue properties of dissimilar metal laser welded lap joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinsley, Christopher Paul

This work involves laser welding austenitic and duplex stainless steel to zinc-coated mild steel, more specifically 1.2mm V1437, which is a Volvo Truck Coiporation rephosphorised mild steel. The work investigates both tensile and lap shear properties of similar and dissimilar metal laser welded butt and lap joints, with the majority of the investigation concentrating on the fatigue properties of dissimilar metal laser welded lap joints. The problems encountered when laser welding zinc-coated steel are addressed and overcome with regard to dissimilar metal lap joints with stainless steel. The result being the production of a set of guidelines for laser welding stainless steel to zinc-coated mild steel. The stages of laser welded lap joint fatigue life are defined and the factors affecting dissimilar metal laser welded lap joint fatigue properties are analysed and determined; the findings suggesting that dissimilar metal lap joint fatigue properties are primarily controlled by the local stress at the internal lap face and the early crack growth rate of the material at the internal lap face. The lap joint rotation, in turn, is controlled by sheet thickness, weld width and interfacial gap. Laser welded lap joint fatigue properties are found to be independent of base material properties, allowing dissimilar metal lap joints to be produced without fatigue failure occurring preferentially in the weaker parent material, irrespective of large base material property differences. The effects of Marangoni flow on the compositions of the laser weld beads are experimentally characterised. The results providing definite proof of the stirring mechanism within the weld pool through the use of speeds maps for chromium and nickel. Keywords: Laser welding, dissimilar metal, Zinc-coated mild steel, Austenitic stainless steel, Duplex stainless steel, Fatigue, Lap joint rotation, Automotive.

The pressure control technology of the active stressed lap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ying; Wang, Daxing

2010-10-01

The active stressed lap polishing technology is a kind of new polishing technology that can actively deform the lap surface to become an off-axis asphere according to different lap position on mirror surface and different angle of lap. The pressure of the lap on the mirror is an important factor affecting the grinding efficiency of the optics mirror. The active stressed lap technology using dynamic pressure control solution in the process of polishing astronomical Aspheric Mirror with faster asphericity will provide the advantage like high polishing speed and natural smooth, etc. This article puts emphases on the pressure control technology of the active stressed lap technology. It requires that the active stressed lap keeps symmetrical vertical compression on the mirrors in the process of grinding mirrors. With a background of an active stressed lap 450mm in diameter, this article gives an outline of the pressure control organization, analyzes the principle of pressure control and proposes the limitations of the present pressure control organization and the relevant solutions, designs a digital pressure controller with C32-bit RISC embedded and gives the relevant experimental test result finally.

Subsurface damage distribution in the lapping process.

PubMed

Wang, Zhuo; Wu, Yulie; Dai, Yifan; Li, Shengyi

2008-04-01

To systematically investigate the influence of lapping parameters on subsurface damage (SSD) depth and characterize the damage feature comprehensively, maximum depth and distribution of SSD generated in the optical lapping process were measured with the magnetorheological finishing wedge technique. Then, an interaction of adjacent indentations was applied to interpret the generation of maximum depth of SSD. Eventually, the lapping procedure based on the influence of lapping parameters on the material removal rate and SSD depth was proposed to improve the lapping efficiency.

Abernathy's Lap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

A lap in this instance is not a midriff but a tool for presision.polishing and grinding. During the Saturn V moonbooster program, Marshall Space Flight Center found a need for a better lap. The need arose from the exquisitely precise tolerances required for parts of the launch vehicle's guidance,and control system. So William J. Abernathy, a former Marshall employee, built a better lap; he invented a method for charging aluminum lap plates with diamond powder, then hard-anodizing them. The resulting lap produces a high polish on materials ranging from the softest aluminum to the hardest ceramics. It operates faster, wears longer and requires less reworking. Abernathy got NASA's permission to obtain a personal patent and he formed the one-man Abernathy Laps Co. in Huntsville, which produces a variety of laps. One of Abernathy's customers is Bell Aerospace Textron, Buffalo, which uses the laps to finish polish delicate instrument parts produced for NASA's Viking and other space programs. Says a Bell official: "Time needed (with the Abernathy lap) is a fraction of that required by conventional methods. The result is extremely accurate flatness and surface finish." Abernathy is providing laps for other manufacturing applications and for preparation of metallurgical specimens. The business is small but steady, and Abernathy plans expansion into other markets.

Pressure variation of developed lapping tool on surface roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, A. K.; Lee, K. Q.; Aung, L. M.; Abu, A.; Tan, L. K.; Kang, H. S.

2018-01-01

Improving the surface roughness is always one of the major concerns in the development of lapping process as high precision machining caters a great demand in manufacturing process. This paper aims to investigate the performance of a newly designed lapping tool in term of surface roughness. Polypropylene is used as the lapping tool head. The lapping tool is tested for different pressure to identify the optimum working pressure for lapping process. The theoretical surface roughness is also calculated using Vickers Hardness. The present study shows that polypropylene is able to produce good quality and smooth surface roughness. The optimum lapping pressure in the present study is found to be 45 MPa. By comparing the theoretical and experimental values, the present study shows that the newly designed lapping tool is capable to produce finer surface roughness.

Additive manufacturing of tools for lapping glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Wesley B.

2013-09-01

Additive manufacturing technologies have the ability to directly produce parts with complex geometries without the need for secondary processes, tooling or fixtures. This ability was used to produce concave lapping tools with a VFlash 3D printer from 3D Systems. The lapping tools were first designed in Creo Parametric with a defined constant radius and radial groove pattern. The models were converted to stereolithography files which the VFlash used in building the parts, layer by layer, from a UV curable resin. The tools were rotated at 60 rpm and used with 120 grit and 220 grit silicon carbide lapping paste to lap 0.750" diameter fused silica workpieces. The samples developed a matte appearance on the lapped surface that started as a ring at the edge of the workpiece and expanded to the center. This indicated that as material was removed, the workpiece radius was beginning to match the tool radius. The workpieces were then cleaned and lapped on a second tool (with equivalent geometry) using a 3000 grit corundum aluminum oxide lapping paste, until a near specular surface was achieved. By using lapping tools that have been additively manufactured, fused silica workpieces can be lapped to approach a specified convex geometry. This approach may enable more rapid lapping of near net shape workpieces that minimize the material removal required by subsequent polishing. This research may also enable development of new lapping tool geometry and groove patterns for improved loose abrasive finishing.

Alterations in the Helicoverpa armigera Midgut Digestive Physiology after Ingestion of Pigeon Pea Inducible Leucine Aminopeptidase

PubMed Central

Lomate, Purushottam R.; Jadhav, Bhakti R.; Giri, Ashok P.; Hivrale, Vandana K.

2013-01-01

Jasmonate inducible plant leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is proposed to serve as direct defense in the insect midgut. However, exact functions of inducible plant LAPs in the insect midgut remain to be estimated. In the present investigation, we report the direct defensive role of pigeon pea inducible LAP in the midgut of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and responses of midgut soluble aminopeptidases and serine proteinases upon LAP ingestion. Larval growth and survival was significantly reduced on the diets supplemented with pigeon pea LAP. Aminopeptidase activities in larvae remain unaltered in presence or absence of inducible LAP in the diet. On the contrary, serine proteinase activities were significantly decreased in the larvae reared on pigeon pea LAP containing diet as compared to larvae fed on diet without LAP. Our data suggest that pigeon pea inducible LAP is responsible for the degradation of midgut serine proteinases upon ingestion. Reduction in the aminopeptidase activity with LpNA in the H. armigera larvae was compensated with an induction of aminopeptidase activity with ApNA. Our findings could be helpful to further dissect the roles of plant inducible LAPs in the direct plant defense against herbivory. PMID:24098675

Alterations in the Helicoverpa armigera midgut digestive physiology after ingestion of pigeon pea inducible leucine aminopeptidase.

PubMed

Lomate, Purushottam R; Jadhav, Bhakti R; Giri, Ashok P; Hivrale, Vandana K

2013-01-01

Jasmonate inducible plant leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is proposed to serve as direct defense in the insect midgut. However, exact functions of inducible plant LAPs in the insect midgut remain to be estimated. In the present investigation, we report the direct defensive role of pigeon pea inducible LAP in the midgut of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and responses of midgut soluble aminopeptidases and serine proteinases upon LAP ingestion. Larval growth and survival was significantly reduced on the diets supplemented with pigeon pea LAP. Aminopeptidase activities in larvae remain unaltered in presence or absence of inducible LAP in the diet. On the contrary, serine proteinase activities were significantly decreased in the larvae reared on pigeon pea LAP containing diet as compared to larvae fed on diet without LAP. Our data suggest that pigeon pea inducible LAP is responsible for the degradation of midgut serine proteinases upon ingestion. Reduction in the aminopeptidase activity with LpNA in the H. armigera larvae was compensated with an induction of aminopeptidase activity with ApNA. Our findings could be helpful to further dissect the roles of plant inducible LAPs in the direct plant defense against herbivory.

Use of two-dimensional transmission photoelastic models to study stresses in double-lap bolted joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyer, M. W.; Liu, D. H.

1981-01-01

The stress distribution in two hole connectors in a double lap joint configuration was studied. The following steps are described: (1) fabrication of photoelastic models of double lap double hole joints designed to determine the stresses in the inner lap; (2) assessment of the effects of joint geometry on the stresses in the inner lap; and (3) quantification of differences in the stresses near the two holes. The two holes were on the centerline of the joint and the joints were loaded in tension, parallel to the centerline. Acrylic slip fit pins through the holes served as fasteners. Two dimensional transmission photoelastic models were fabricated by using transparent acrylic outer laps and a photoelastic model material for the inner laps. It is concluded that the photoelastic fringe patterns which are visible when the models are loaded are due almost entirely to stresses in the inner lap.

Pacing Behavior and Tactical Positioning in 1500-m Short-Track Speed Skating.

PubMed

Konings, Marco J; Noorbergen, Olaf S; Parry, David; Hettinga, Florentina J

2016-01-01

To gain more insight in pacing behavior and tactical positioning in 1500-m short-track speed skating, a sport in which several athletes directly compete in the same race. Lap times and intermediate rankings of elite 1500-m short-track- skating competitors were collected over the season 2012-13 (N = 510, 85 races). Two statistical approaches were used to assess pacing behavior and tactical positioning. First, lap times were analyzed using a MANOVA, and for each lap differences between sex, race type, final rankings, and stage of competition were determined. Second, Kendall tau b correlations were used to assess relationships between intermediate and final rankings. In addition, intermediate rankings of the winner of each race were examined. In 1500 m (13.5 laps of 111.12 m), correlations between intermediate and final ranking gradually increased throughout the race (eg, lap 1, r = .05; lap 7, r = .26; lap 13, r = .85). Moreover, the percentage of race winners skating in the leading position was over 50% during the last 3 laps. Top finishers were faster than bottom-place finishers only during the last 5 laps, with on average 0.1- to 1.5-s faster lap times of the race winners compared with the others during the last 5 laps. Although a fast start led to faster finishing times, top finishers were faster than bottom-placed finishers only during the last 5 laps. Moreover, tactical positioning at 1 of the foremost positions during the latter phase of the race appeared to be a strong determinant of finishing position.

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

Demircioglu, F. Esra; Sosa, Brian A.; Ingram, Jessica

The most common cause of early onset primary dystonia, a neuromuscular disease, is a glutamate deletion (ΔE) at position 302/303 of TorsinA, a AAA+ ATPase that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum. While the function of TorsinA remains elusive, the ΔE mutation is known to diminish binding of two TorsinA ATPase activators: lamina-associated protein 1 (LAP1) and its paralog, luminal domain like LAP1 (LULL1). Using a nanobody as a crystallization chaperone, we obtained a 1.4 Å crystal structure of human TorsinA in complex with LULL1. This nanobody likewise stabilized the weakened TorsinAΔE-LULL1 interaction, which enabled us to solve its structure atmore » 1.4 Å also. A comparison of these structures shows, in atomic detail, the subtle differences in activator interactions that separate the healthy from the diseased state. This information may provide a structural platform for drug development, as a small molecule that rescues TorsinAΔE could serve as a cure for primary dystonia.« less

Even between-lap pacing despite high within-lap variation during mountain biking.

PubMed

Martin, Louise; Lambeth-Mansell, Anneliese; Beretta-Azevedo, Liane; Holmes, Lucy A; Wright, Rachel; St Clair Gibson, Alan

2012-09-01

Given the paucity of research on pacing strategies during competitive events, this study examined changes in dynamic high-resolution performance parameters to analyze pacing profiles during a multiple-lap mountain-bike race over variable terrain. A global-positioning-system (GPS) unit (Garmin, Edge 305, USA) recorded velocity (m/s), distance (m), elevation (m), and heart rate at 1 Hz from 6 mountain-bike riders (mean±SD age=27.2±5.0 y, stature=176.8±8.1 cm, mass=76.3±11.7 kg, VO2max=55.1±6.0 mL·kg(-1)·min1) competing in a multilap race. Lap-by-lap (interlap) pacing was analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA for mean time and mean velocity. Velocity data were averaged every 100 m and plotted against race distance and elevation to observe the presence of intralap variation. There was no significant difference in lap times (P=.99) or lap velocity (P=.65) across the 5 laps. Within each lap, a high degree of oscillation in velocity was observed, which broadly reflected changes in terrain, but high-resolution data demonstrated additional nonmonotonic variation not related to terrain. Participants adopted an even pace strategy across the 5 laps despite rapid adjustments in velocity during each lap. While topographical and technical variations of the course accounted for some of the variability in velocity, the additional rapid adjustments in velocity may be associated with dynamic regulation of self-paced exercise.

Upregulation of NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase By Radiation Potentiates the Effect of Bioreductive β-Lapachone on Cancer Cells1

PubMed Central

Choi, Eun K; Terai, Kaoru; Ji, In-Mi; Kook, Yeon H; Park, Kyung H; Oh, Eun T; Griffin, Robert J; Lim, Byung U; Kim, Jin-Seok; Lee, Doo S; Boothman, David A; Loren, Melissa; Song, Chang W; Park, Heon Joo

2007-01-01

We found that β-lapachone (β-lap), a novel bioreductive drug, caused rapid apoptosis and clonogenic cell death in A549 human lung epithelial cancer cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The clonogenic cell death caused by β-lap could be significantly inhibited by dicoumarol, an inhibitor of NAD(P)H:quinone oxido-reductase (NQO1), and also by siRNA for NQO1, demonstrating that NQO1-induced bioreduction of β-lap is an essential step in β-lap-induced cell death. Irradiation of A549 cells with 4 Gy caused a long-lasting upregulation of NQO1, thereby increasing NQO1-mediated β-lap-induced cell deaths. Although the direct cause of β-lap-induced apoptosis is not yet clear, β-lap treatment reduced the expression of p53 and NF-κB, whereas it increased cytochrome C release, caspase-3 activity, and γH2AX foci formation. Importantly, β-lap treatment immediately after irradiation enhanced radiation-induced cell death, indicating that β-lap sensitizes cancer cells to radiation, in addition to directly killing some of the cells. The growth of A549 tumors induced in immunocompromised mice could be markedly suppressed by local radiation therapy when followed by β-lap treatment. This is the first study to demonstrate that combined radiotherapy and β-lap treatment can have a significant effect on human tumor xenografts. PMID:17786182

Vitamin A supplementation leads to increases in regulatory CD4+Foxp3+LAP+ T cells in mice.

PubMed

Medeiros, Samara R; Pinheiro-Rosa, Natalia; Lemos, Luisa; Loli, Flavia G; Pereira, Alline G; Santiago, Andrezza F; Pinter, Ester C; Alves, Andrea C; Oliveira, Jamil S; Cara, Denise C; Maioli, Tatiani U; Faria, Ana Maria C

2015-10-01

Dietary compounds, including micronutrients such as vitamin A and its metabolite retinoic acid, directly influence the development and function of the immune system. In this study, we show that either dietary deficiency of or supplementation with vitamin A had immunologic effects in mice that were fed these diets during their development (for 8 wk during the postweaning period). Deficient mice presented higher levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, transforming growth factor-β, IL-17, and IL-10 in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues and draining lymph nodes, indicating a proinflammatory shift in the gut mucosa. Serum immunoglobulin G levels also were elevated in these mice. Conversely, supplemented mice showed higher frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+LAP+ regulatory T cells in gut lymphoid tissues and spleen, suggesting that vitamin A supplementation in the diet may be beneficial in pathologic situations such as inflammatory bowel diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dogs lap using acceleration-driven open pumping

PubMed Central

Gart, Sean; Socha, John J.; Vlachos, Pavlos P.; Jung, Sunghwan

2015-01-01

Dogs lap because they have incomplete cheeks and cannot suck. When lapping, a dog’s tongue pulls a liquid column from the bath, suggesting that the hydrodynamics of column formation are critical to understanding how dogs drink. We measured lapping in 19 dogs and used the results to generate a physical model of the tongue’s interaction with the air–fluid interface. These experiments help to explain how dogs exploit the fluid dynamics of the generated column. The results demonstrate that effects of acceleration govern lapping frequency, which suggests that dogs curl the tongue to create a larger liquid column. Comparing lapping in dogs and cats reveals that, despite similar morphology, these carnivores lap in different physical regimes: an unsteady inertial regime for dogs and steady inertial regime for cats. PMID:26668382

eIF2 kinases mediate β-lapachone toxicity in yeast and human cancer cells

PubMed Central

Menacho-Márquez, Mauricio; Rodríguez-Hernández, Carlos J; Villaronga, M Ángeles; Pérez-Valle, Jorge; Gadea, José; Belandia, Borja; Murguía, José R

2015-01-01

β-lapachone (β-lap) is a novel anticancer agent that selectively induces cell death in human cancer cells, by activation of the NQO1 NAD(P)H dehydrogenase and radical oxygen species (ROS) generation. We characterized the gene expression profile of budding yeast cells treated with β-lap using cDNA microarrays. Genes involved in tolerance to oxidative stress were differentially expressed in β-lap treated cells. β-lap treatment generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were efficiently blocked by dicoumarol, an inhibitor of NADH dehydrogenases. A yeast mutant in the mitocondrial NADH dehydrogenase Nde2p was found to be resistant to β-lap treatment, despite inducing ROS production in a WT manner. Most interestingly, DNA damage responses triggered by β-lap were abolished in the nde2Δ mutant. Amino acid biosynthesis genes were also induced in β-lap treated cells, suggesting that β-lap exposure somehow triggered the General Control of Nutrients (GCN) pathway. Accordingly, β-lap treatment increased phosphorylation of eIF2α subunit in a manner dependent on the Gcn2p kinase. eIF2α phosphorylation required Gcn1p, Gcn20p and Nde2p. Gcn2p was also required for cell survival upon exposure to β-lap and to elicit checkpoint responses. Remarkably, β-lap treatment increased phosphorylation of eIF2α in breast tumor cells, in a manner dependent on the Nde2p ortholog AIF, and the eIF2 kinase PERK. These findings uncover a new target pathway of β-lap in yeast and human cells and highlight a previously unknown functional connection between Nde2p, Gcn2p and DNA damage responses. PMID:25590579

Preparation of Laponite Bioceramics for Potential Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

PubMed Central

Li, Kai; Ju, Yaping; Li, Jipeng; Zhang, Yongxing; Li, Jinhua; Liu, Xuanyong; Shi, Xiangyang; Zhao, Qinghua

2014-01-01

We report a facile approach to preparing laponite (LAP) bioceramics via sintering LAP powder compacts for bone tissue engineering applications. The sintering behavior and mechanical properties of LAP compacts under different temperatures, heating rates, and soaking times were investigated. We show that LAP bioceramic with a smooth and porous surface can be formed at 800°C with a heating rate of 5°C/h for 6 h under air. The formed LAP bioceramic was systematically characterized via different methods. Our results reveal that the LAP bioceramic possesses an excellent surface hydrophilicity and serum absorption capacity, and good cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility as demonstrated by resazurin reduction assay of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and hemolytic assay of pig red blood cells, respectively. The potential bone tissue engineering applicability of LAP bioceramic was explored by studying the surface mineralization behavior via soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF), as well as the surface cellular response of rMSCs. Our results suggest that LAP bioceramic is able to induce hydroxyapatite deposition on its surface when soaked in SBF and rMSCs can proliferate well on the LAP bioceramic surface. Most strikingly, alkaline phosphatase activity together with alizarin red staining results reveal that the produced LAP bioceramic is able to induce osteoblast differentiation of rMSCs in growth medium without any inducing factors. Finally, in vivo animal implantation, acute systemic toxicity test and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-staining data demonstrate that the prepared LAP bioceramic displays an excellent biosafety and is able to heal the bone defect. Findings from this study suggest that the developed LAP bioceramic holds a great promise for treating bone defects in bone tissue engineering. PMID:24955961

Lysosome-oriented, dual-stage pH-responsive polymeric micelles for β-Lapachone delivery.

PubMed

Zhou, Yinjian; Dong, Ying; Huang, Gang; Wang, Yiguang; Huang, Xiaonan; Zhang, Fayun; Boothman, David A; Gao, Jinming; Liang, Wei

2016-12-14

β-Lapachone (β-lap), a novel anticancer agent, is bioactivated by NADP(H):quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), an enzyme over-expressed in numerous tumors, including lung, pancreas, breast, and prostate cancers. Fast renal clearance and methemaglobinemia / hemolytic side-effects from the clinical formulation (β-lap-hydroxyl propyl-β-cyclodextrin complex) hindered its clinical translation. Here, we investigated a dual model pH responsive polymers for β-lap delivery. Three pH-sensitive linkages, including acylhydrazone, ketal and imine bonds for β-lap prodrug syntheses result in an aryl imine linkage the most optimal linkage. The conversion to β-lap was 2.8%, 4.5% and 100% at pH 7.4, 6.5 and 5.0 in 8 h, respectively. β-lap aryl imine prodrug conjugated ultra pH-sensitive (UPS) polymer reached high β-lap loading density (8.3%) and exhibited dual-stages responsiveness to pH variation. In pHs under pH t , at stage I, micelle immediately dissociation and subsequently entering stage II, micelles start quickly release β-lap. In vitro release study showed that the micelles constantly release β-lap (14.9 ± 0.1%) at pHs above pH t in 72 h, whereas boosted release of β-lap (79.4 ± 1.2%) at pH 5.0. Micelle intracellular distribution predominantly in the lysosome organelle guaranteed their pH responsive dissociation and subsequently β-lap controlled release. The M-P micelles retained NQO1-dependent cytotoxicity in A549 lung cancer cells, similar to free drug in both efficacy and mechanism of cell death. The lysosome-oriented dual-stage ultra pH responsive β-lap prodrug micelles potentially offer an alternative nanotherapeutic strategy for lung, as well as other NQO1+ cancer therapies.

Intestinal Permeability of β-Lapachone and Its Cyclodextrin Complexes and Physical Mixtures.

PubMed

Mangas-Sanjuan, Victor; Gutiérrez-Nieto, Jorge; Echezarreta-López, Magdalena; González-Álvarez, Isabel; González-Álvarez, Marta; Casabó, Vicente-Germán; Bermejo, Marival; Landin, Mariana

2016-12-01

β-Lapachone (βLAP) is a promising, poorly soluble, antitumoral drug. βLAP combination with cyclodextrins (CDs) improves its solubility and dissolution but there is not enough information about the impact of cyclodextrins on βLAP intestinal permeability. The objectives of this work were to characterize βLAP intestinal permeability and to elucidate cyclodextrins effect on the dissolution properties and on the intestinal permeability. The final goal was to evaluate CDs influence on the oral absorption of βLAP. Binary systems (physical mixtures and inclusion complexes) including βLAP and CDs (β-cyclodextrin: βCD, random-methyl-β-cyclodextrin: RMβCD and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin: SBEβCD) have been prepared and analysed by differential scanning calorimetry. βLAP (and its combinations with CDs) absorption rate coefficients and effective permeability values have been determined in vitro in MDCK or MDCK-Mdr1 monolayers and in situ in rat by a closed loop perfusion technique. DSC results confirmed the formation of the inclusion complexes. βLAP-CDs inclusion complexes improve drug solubility and dissolution rate in comparison with physical mixtures. βLAP presented a high permeability value which can provide complete oral absorption. Its oral absorption is limited by its low solubility and dissolution rate. Cyclodextrin (both as physical mixtures and inclusion complexes) showed a positive effect on the intestinal permeability of βLAP. Complexation with CDs does not reduce βLAP intestinal permeability in spite of the potential negative effect of the reduction in free fraction of the drug. The use of RMβCD or SBEβCD inclusion complexes could benefit βLAP oral absorption by enhancing its solubility, dissolution rate and permeability.

Listeria monocytogenes uses Listeria adhesion protein (LAP) to promote bacterial transepithelial translocation and induces expression of LAP receptor Hsp60.

PubMed

Burkholder, Kristin M; Bhunia, Arun K

2010-12-01

Listeria monocytogenes interaction with the intestinal epithelium is a key step in the infection process. We demonstrated that Listeria adhesion protein (LAP) promotes adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells and facilitates extraintestinal dissemination in vivo. The LAP receptor is a stress response protein, Hsp60, but the precise role for the LAP-Hsp60 interaction during Listeria infection is unknown. Here we investigated the influence of physiological stressors and Listeria infection on host Hsp60 expression and LAP-mediated bacterial adhesion, invasion, and transepithelial translocation in an enterocyte-like Caco-2 cell model. Stressors such as heat (41°C), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (100 U), and L. monocytogenes infection (10(4) to 10(6) CFU/ml) significantly (P < 0.05) increased plasma membrane and intracellular Hsp60 levels in Caco-2 cells and consequently enhanced LAP-mediated L. monocytogenes adhesion but not invasion of Caco-2 cells. In transepithelial translocation experiments, the wild type (WT) exhibited 2.7-fold more translocation through Caco-2 monolayers than a lap mutant, suggesting that LAP is involved in transepithelial translocation, potentially via a paracellular route. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) suppression of Hsp60 in Caco-2 cells reduced WT adhesion and translocation 4.5- and 3-fold, respectively, while adhesion remained unchanged for the lap mutant. Conversely, overexpression of Hsp60 in Caco-2 cells enhanced WT adhesion and transepithelial translocation, but not those of the lap mutant. Furthermore, initial infection with a low dosage (10(6) CFU/ml) of L. monocytogenes increased plasma membrane and intracellular expression of Hsp60 significantly, which rendered Caco-2 cells more susceptible to subsequent LAP-mediated adhesion and translocation. These data provide insight into the role of LAP as a virulence factor during intestinal epithelial infection and pose new questions regarding the dynamics between the host stress response and pathogen infection.

Effects of light on responses to low atmospheric pressure stunning in broilers.

PubMed

Martin, J E; Christensen, K; Vizzier-Thaxton, Y; McKeegan, D E F

2016-10-01

Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) is a novel approach to poultry stunning involving the application of gradual decompression lasting 280 s according to a prescribed pressure curve. The aim of this study was to determine how behavioural, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) responses to LAPS are influenced by illumination of the decompression chamber. A secondary aim was to examine responses to the decompression chamber without LAPS being applied, as such a "sham" control has been absent in previous studies. A two by two factorial design was employed, with LAPS/light, LAPS/dark, sham/light and sham/dark treatments (N = 20 per treatment). Broilers were exposed to each treatment in pairs, in each of which one bird was instrumented for recording EEG and ECG. Illumination was applied at 500 lx, and in sham treatments, birds were identically handled but remained undisturbed in the LAPS chamber without decompression for 280 s. Birds which underwent the sham treatment exhibited behaviours which were also observed in LAPS (e.g. sitting) while those exposed to LAPS exhibited hypoxia-related behaviours (e.g. ataxia, loss of posture). Behavioural latencies and durations were increased in the sham treatments, since the whole cycle time was available (in LAPS; birds were motionless by 186 s). Within the sham treatments, illumination increased active behaviour and darkness induced sleep, but slow-wave EEG was seen in both. The pattern of EEG response to LAPS (steep reduction in median frequency in the first 60 s and increased total power) was similar, irrespective of illumination, though birds in darkness had shorter latencies to loss of consciousness and isoelectric EEG. Cardiac responses to LAPS (pronounced bradycardia) closely matched those reported previously and were not affected by illumination. The effects of LAPS/sham treatment primarily reflected the presence/absence of hypoxia, while illumination affected activity/sleep levels in sham-treated birds and slowed time to unconsciousness in birds undergoing LAPS. Therefore, it is recommended that LAPS be conducted in darkness for poultry.

An N-terminal Retention Module Anchors the Giant Adhesin LapA of Pseudomonas fluorescens at the Cell Surface: A Novel Sub-family of Type I Secretion Systems.

PubMed

Smith, T Jarrod; Font, Maria E; Kelly, Carolyn M; Sondermann, Holger; O'Toole, George A

2018-02-05

LapA of Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1 belongs to a diverse family of cell surface associated bacterial adhesins that are secreted via the type-1 secretion system (T1SS). We previously reported that the periplasmic protease LapG cleaves the N-terminus of LapA at a canonical dialanine motif to release the adhesin from the cell surface under conditions unfavorable to biofilm formation, thus decreasing biofilm formation. Here, we characterize LapA as the first type 1 secreted substrate that does not follow the "one-step" rule of T1SS. Rather, a novel N-terminal element, called the retention module (RM), localizes LapA at the cell surface as a secretion intermediate. Our genetic, biochemical, and molecular modeling analysis support a model wherein LapA is tethered to the cell surface through its T1SS outer membrane TolC-like pore, LapE, until LapG cleaves LapA in the periplasm. We further demonstrate this unusual retention strategy is likely conserved among LapA-like proteins, and reveals a new subclass of T1SS ABC transporters involved in transporting this group of surface-associated, LapA-like adhesins. These studies demonstrate a novel cell surface retention strategy used throughout the Proteobacteria and highlight a previously unappreciated flexibility of function for T1SS. Importance. Bacteria have evolved multiple secretion strategies to interact with their environment. For many bacteria, the secretion of cell surface associated adhesins is key for initiating contact with a preferred substratum to facilitate biofilm formation. Our work demonstrates that P. fluorescens uses a previously unrecognized secretion strategy to retain the giant adhesin LapA at its cell surface. Further, we identify likely LapA-like adhesins in various pathogenic and commensal Proteobacteria and provide phylogenetic evidence that these adhesins are secreted by a new subclass of T1SS ABC transporters. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Dynamic deformation measurement and analysis of active stressed lap using optical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qican; Su, Xianyu; Liu, Yuankun; Xiang, Liqun

2007-12-01

The active stressed lap is the heart of polishing process. A novel non-contact optical method of dynamic deformation measurement and analysis of an active stressed lap is put forward. This method, based on structured illumination, is able to record full-field information of the bending and rotating stressed lap dynamically and continuously, while its profile is changed under computer control, and restore the whole process of lap deformation varied with time at different position and rotating angle. It has been verified by experiments that this proposed method will be helpful to the opticians to ensure the stressed lap as expected.

Notebook computer use on a desk, lap and lap support: effects on posture, performance and comfort.

PubMed

Asundi, Krishna; Odell, Dan; Luce, Adam; Dennerlein, Jack T

2010-01-01

This study quantified postures of users working on a notebook computer situated in their lap and tested the effect of using a device designed to increase the height of the notebook when placed on the lap. A motion analysis system measured head, neck and upper extremity postures of 15 adults as they worked on a notebook computer placed on a desk (DESK), the lap (LAP) and a commercially available lapdesk (LAPDESK). Compared with the DESK, the LAP increased downwards head tilt 6 degrees and wrist extension 8 degrees . Shoulder flexion and ulnar deviation decreased 13 degrees and 9 degrees , respectively. Compared with the LAP, the LAPDESK decreased downwards head tilt 4 degrees , neck flexion 2 degrees , and wrist extension 9 degrees. Users reported less discomfort and difficulty in the DESK configuration. Use of the lapdesk improved postures compared with the lap; however, all configurations resulted in high values of wrist extension, wrist deviation and downwards head tilt. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: This study quantifies postures of users working with a notebook computer in typical portable configurations. A better understanding of the postures assumed during notebook computer use can improve usage guidelines to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Daily rhythms of left atrial pressure in beagle dogs with mitral valve regurgitation.

PubMed

Ishikawa, T; Tanaka, R; Suzuki, S; Saida, Y; Soda, A; Fukushima, R; Yamane, Y

2009-01-01

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) causes increased left atrial pressure (LAP) and is associated with occurrence of clinical signs. It will be useful to understand diurnal variations of LAP for the management of MR. Circulatory parameters and diurnal rhythm are linked to clinical signs in cardiac diseases. LAP also exhibits a diurnal rhythm in dogs with MR. Five healthy Beagle dogs weighing 9.8-12.8 kg (3 males and 2 females; aged 2 years) were used. A radiotelemetry system for continuous measurement of LAP was used in this study. Rupture of the chordae tendineae was experimentally induced via left atriotomy, and a transmitter catheter was inserted into the left atrium. The body of the transmitter was implanted SC. After clinical condition was stabilized, the severity of MR was evaluated by echocardiography, and LAP was recorded for 72 consecutive hours for the analysis of diurnal variation. Abrupt increases in LAP, which averaged 16.7 mmHg, were observed at feeding periods. In contrast, strong diurnal LAP variations were found, with a significant but slight increase in daytime LAP compared with nighttime LAP. Diurnal LAP is characterized by a slight but significant nocturnal decrease and abrupt increases in response to excitation. The latter seemed to be more important considering the relationship with clinical manifestations. The clinical relevance of exercise restriction in the management of MR was acknowledged.

Expression of Surface Protein LapB by a Wide Spectrum of Listeria monocytogenes Serotypes as Demonstrated with Anti-LapB Monoclonal Antibodies

PubMed Central

Boivin, Teela; Elmgren, Cathie; Brooks, Brian W.; Huang, Hongsheng; Pagotto, Franco

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Protein antigens expressed on the surface of all strains of Listeria monocytogenes and absent from nonpathogenic Listeria spp. are presumably useful targets for pathogen identification, detection, and isolation using specific antibodies (Abs). To seek such surface proteins expressed in various strains of L. monocytogenes for diagnostic applications, we focused on a set of surface proteins known to be involved or putatively involved in L. monocytogenes virulence and identified Listeria adhesion protein B (LapB) as a candidate based on the bioinformatics analysis of whole-genome sequences showing that the gene coding for LapB was present in L. monocytogenes strains and absent from strains of other Listeria spp. Immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM), performed with rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant LapB protein (rLapB) of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b strain L10521, confirmed expression of LapB on the surface. A panel of 48 mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to rLaB was generated, and 7 of them bound strongly to the surface of L. monocytogenes cells as demonstrated using IFM. Further characterization of these 7 anti-LapB MAbs, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), revealed that 6 anti-LapB MAbs (M3484, M3495, M3500, M3509, M3517, and M3519) reacted strongly with 46 (86.8%) of 53 strains representing 10 of the 12 serotypes tested (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4ab, 4b, 4d, and 4e). These results indicate that LapB, together with companion anti-LapB MAbs, can be targeted as a biomarker for the detection and isolation of various L. monocytogenes strains from contaminated foods. IMPORTANCE Strains of L. monocytogenes are traditionally grouped into serotypes. Identification of a surface protein expressed in all or the majority of at least 12 serotypes would aid in the development of surface-binding monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for detection and isolation of L. monocytogenes from foods. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the gene coding for Listeria adhesion protein B (LapB), a surface protein involved in L. monocytogenes virulence, was present in L. monocytogenes strains and absent from other Listeria spp. Polyclonal antibodies against recombinant LapB (rLapB) detected the exposed epitopes on the surface of L. monocytogenes. Production and extensive assessment of 48 MAbs to rLapB showed that 6 anti-LapB MAbs (M3484, M3495, M3500, M3509, M3517, and M3519) detected the expression of LapB in a wide range of L. monocytogenes isolates representing 10 of 12 serotypes tested, suggesting that LapB, together with specific MAbs, can be targeted as a biomarker for pathogen detection and isolation. PMID:27613687

Expression of Surface Protein LapB by a Wide Spectrum of Listeria monocytogenes Serotypes as Demonstrated with Anti-LapB Monoclonal Antibodies.

PubMed

Boivin, Teela; Elmgren, Cathie; Brooks, Brian W; Huang, Hongsheng; Pagotto, Franco; Lin, Min

2016-11-15

Protein antigens expressed on the surface of all strains of Listeria monocytogenes and absent from nonpathogenic Listeria spp. are presumably useful targets for pathogen identification, detection, and isolation using specific antibodies (Abs). To seek such surface proteins expressed in various strains of L. monocytogenes for diagnostic applications, we focused on a set of surface proteins known to be involved or putatively involved in L. monocytogenes virulence and identified Listeria adhesion protein B (LapB) as a candidate based on the bioinformatics analysis of whole-genome sequences showing that the gene coding for LapB was present in L. monocytogenes strains and absent from strains of other Listeria spp. Immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM), performed with rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant LapB protein (rLapB) of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b strain L10521, confirmed expression of LapB on the surface. A panel of 48 mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to rLaB was generated, and 7 of them bound strongly to the surface of L. monocytogenes cells as demonstrated using IFM. Further characterization of these 7 anti-LapB MAbs, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), revealed that 6 anti-LapB MAbs (M3484, M3495, M3500, M3509, M3517, and M3519) reacted strongly with 46 (86.8%) of 53 strains representing 10 of the 12 serotypes tested (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4ab, 4b, 4d, and 4e). These results indicate that LapB, together with companion anti-LapB MAbs, can be targeted as a biomarker for the detection and isolation of various L. monocytogenes strains from contaminated foods. Strains of L. monocytogenes are traditionally grouped into serotypes. Identification of a surface protein expressed in all or the majority of at least 12 serotypes would aid in the development of surface-binding monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for detection and isolation of L. monocytogenes from foods. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the gene coding for Listeria adhesion protein B (LapB), a surface protein involved in L. monocytogenes virulence, was present in L. monocytogenes strains and absent from other Listeria spp. Polyclonal antibodies against recombinant LapB (rLapB) detected the exposed epitopes on the surface of L. monocytogenes Production and extensive assessment of 48 MAbs to rLapB showed that 6 anti-LapB MAbs (M3484, M3495, M3500, M3509, M3517, and M3519) detected the expression of LapB in a wide range of L. monocytogenes isolates representing 10 of 12 serotypes tested, suggesting that LapB, together with specific MAbs, can be targeted as a biomarker for pathogen detection and isolation. © Crown copyright 2016.

49 CFR 230.30 - Lap-joint seam boilers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Lap-joint seam boilers. 230.30 Section 230.30..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STEAM LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Boilers and Appurtenances Inspection and Repair § 230.30 Lap-joint seam boilers. Every boiler having lap-joint longitudinal seams...

Auto Mechanics I. Learning Activity Packets (LAPs). Section D--Suspension.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

This document contains six learning activity packets (LAPs) that outline the study activities for the "suspension" instructional area for an Auto Mechanics I course. The six LAPs cover the following topics: wheel bearings, tires and wheels, wheel balancing, suspension system, steering system, and wheel alignment. Each LAP contains a…

Apparatus and method for deterministic control of surface figure during full aperture polishing

DOEpatents

Suratwala, Tayyab Ishaq; Feit, Michael Dennis; Steele, William Augustus

2013-11-19

A polishing system configured to polish a lap includes a lap configured to contact a workpiece for polishing the workpiece; and a septum configured to contact the lap. The septum has an aperture formed therein. The radius of the aperture and radius the workpiece are substantially the same. The aperture and the workpiece have centers disposed at substantially the same radial distance from a center of the lap. The aperture is disposed along a first radial direction from the center of the lap, and the workpiece is disposed along a second radial direction from the center of the lap. The first and second radial directions may be opposite directions.

The Effect of Surface Irregularities on Wing Drag. II - Lap Joints. 2; Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hood, Manley J.

1938-01-01

Tests have been made in the NACA 8-foot high-speed wind tunnel of the drag caused by four types of lap joint. The tests were made on an airfoil of NACA 23012 section and 5-foot chord and covered in a range of speeds from 80 to 500 miles per hour and lift coefficients from 0 to 0.30. The increases in profile drag caused by representative arrangements of laps varied from 4 to 9%. When there were protruding rivet heads on the surface, the addition of laps increased the drag only slightly. Laps on the forward part of a wing increased the drag considerably more than those farther back.

Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration. Instructor's Packet. Learning Activity Package.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Runge, Lillian

This instructor's packet accompanies the learning activity package (LAP) on temperature, pulse, and respiration. Contents included in the packet are a time sheet, suggested uses for the LAP, an instruction sheet, final LAP reviews, a final LAP review answer key, suggested activities, an additional resources list, and student completion cards to…

Auto Mechanics I. Learning Activity Packets (LAPs). Section C--Engine.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

This document contains five learning activity packets (LAPs) that outline the study activities for the "engine" instructional area for an Auto Mechanics I course. The five LAPs cover the following topics: basic engine principles, cooling system, engine lubrication system, exhaust system, and fuel system. Each LAP contains a cover sheet…

Analysis and optimization of surface profile correcting mechanism of the pitch lap in large-aperture annular polishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huifang; Yang, Minghong; Xu, Xueke; Wu, Lunzhe; Yang, Weiguang; Shao, Jianda

2017-10-01

The surface figure control of the conventional annular polishing system is realized ordinarily by the interaction between the conditioner and the lap. The surface profile of the pitch lap corrected by the marble conditioner has been measured and analyzed as a function of kinematics, loading conditions, and polishing time. The surface profile measuring equipment of the large lap based on laser alignment was developed with the accuracy of about 1μm. The conditioning mechanism of the conditioner is simply determined by the kinematics and fully fitting principle, but the unexpected surface profile deviation of the lap emerged frequently due to numerous influencing factors including the geometrical relationship, the pressure distribution at the conditioner/lap interface. Both factors are quantitatively evaluated and described, and have been combined to develop a spatial and temporal model to simulate the surface profile evolution of pitch lap. The simulations are consistent with the experiments. This study is an important step toward deterministic full-aperture annular polishing, providing a beneficial guidance for the surface profile correction of the pitch lap.

Outcome of laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs: 278 cases (2003-2013).

PubMed

Corriveau, Kayla M; Giuffrida, Michelle A; Mayhew, Philipp D; Runge, Jeffrey J

2017-08-15

OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes for laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) and laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (LapOVH) in dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 278 female dogs. PROCEDURES Medical records of female dogs that underwent laparoscopic sterilization between 2003 and 2013 were reviewed. History, signalment, results of physical examination, results of preoperative diagnostic testing, details of the surgical procedure, durations of anesthesia and surgery, intraoperative and immediate postoperative (ie, during hospitalization) complications, and short- (≤ 14 days after surgery) and long-term (> 14 days after surgery) outcomes were recorded. Data for patients undergoing LapOVE versus LapOVH were compared. RESULTS Intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications were infrequent, and incidence did not differ between groups. Duration of surgery for LapOVE was significantly less than that for LapOVH; however, potential confounders were not assessed. Surgical site infection was identified in 3 of 224 (1.3%) dogs. At the time of long-term follow-up, postoperative urinary incontinence was reported in 7 of 125 (5.6%) dogs that underwent LapOVE and 12 of 82 (14.6%) dogs that underwent LapOVH. None of the dogs had reportedly developed estrus or pyometra by the time of final follow-up. Overall, 205 of 207 (99%) owners were satisfied with the surgery, and 196 of 207 (95%) would consider laparoscopic sterilization for their dogs in the future. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that short- and long-term outcomes were similar for female dogs undergoing sterilization by means of LapOVE or LapOVH; however, surgery time may have been shorter for dogs that underwent LapOVE. Most owners were satisfied with the outcome of laparoscopic sterilization.

Some Problems of Queues with Feedback.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-11-01

occur in comr,uter networks , production networks, Street traffic networks , neural networks , and the like . In spite of these potential applications...55— - - - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 29 b where h — ~ j ~ . Now, caking the Lap lace —Stieltjes transform of the above k

77 FR 21395 - Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-10

... would require performing a low frequency eddy current inspection for cracks of the lap joint of the rear...-frequency eddy current inspection of the lap joint for cracks and, depending on findings, repair of the lap... AD: Do a low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection for cracks of the lap joint of the rear...

New design deforming controlling system of the active stressed lap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ying, Li; Wang, Daxing

2008-07-01

A 450mm diameter active stressed lap has been developed in NIAOT by 2003. We design a new lap in 2007. This paper puts on emphases on introducing the new deforming control system of the lap. Aiming at the control characteristic of the lap, a new kind of digital deforming controller is designed. The controller consists of 3 parts: computer signal disposing, motor driving and force sensor signal disposing. Intelligent numeral PID method is applied in the controller instead of traditional PID. In the end, the result of new deformation are given.

Apparatus and method for deterministic control of surface figure during full aperture pad polishing

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

Suratwala, Tayyab Ishaq; Feit, Michael Douglas; Steele, William Augustus

A polishing system configured to polish a lap includes a lap configured to contact a workpiece for polishing the workpiece; and a septum configured to contact the lap. The septum has an aperture formed therein. The radius of the aperture and radius the workpiece are substantially the same. The aperture and the workpiece have centers disposed at substantially the same radial distance from a center of the lap. The aperture is disposed along a first radial direction from the center of the lap, and the workpiece is disposed along a second radial direction from the center of the lap. Themore » first and second radial directions may be opposite directions.« less

A two-dimensional time domain near zone to far zone transformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebbers, Raymond J.; Ryan, Deirdre; Beggs, John H.; Kunz, Karl S.

1991-01-01

A time domain transformation useful for extrapolating three dimensional near zone finite difference time domain (FDTD) results to the far zone was presented. Here, the corresponding two dimensional transform is outlined. While the three dimensional transformation produced a physically observable far zone time domain field, this is not convenient to do directly in two dimensions, since a convolution would be required. However, a representative two dimensional far zone time domain result can be obtained directly. This result can then be transformed to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform, corrected with a simple multiplicative factor, and used, for example, to calculate the complex wideband scattering width of a target. If an actual time domain far zone result is required, it can be obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the final frequency domain result.

A two-dimensional time domain near zone to far zone transformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebbers, Raymond J.; Ryan, Deirdre; Beggs, John H.; Kunz, Karl S.

1991-01-01

In a previous paper, a time domain transformation useful for extrapolating 3-D near zone finite difference time domain (FDTD) results to the far zone was presented. In this paper, the corresponding 2-D transform is outlined. While the 3-D transformation produced a physically observable far zone time domain field, this is not convenient to do directly in 2-D, since a convolution would be required. However, a representative 2-D far zone time domain result can be obtained directly. This result can then be transformed to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform, corrected with a simple multiplicative factor, and used, for example, to calculate the complex wideband scattering width of a target. If an actual time domain far zone result is required it can be obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the final frequency domain result.

Lamina-associated polypeptide 2alpha loss impairs heart function and stress response in mice.

PubMed

Gotic, Ivana; Leschnik, Michael; Kolm, Ursula; Markovic, Mato; Haubner, Bernhard J; Biadasiewicz, Katarzyna; Metzler, Bernhard; Stewart, Colin L; Foisner, Roland

2010-02-05

Lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP)2alpha is a mammalian chromatin-binding protein that interacts with a fraction of A-type lamins in the nuclear interior. Because mutations in lamins and LAP2alpha lead to cardiac disorders in humans, we hypothesized that these factors may play important roles in heart development and adult tissue homeostasis. We asked whether the presence of LAP2alpha was required for normal cardiac function. To study the molecular mechanisms of the disease, we analyzed heart structure and function in complete and conditional Lap2alpha(-/-) mice as well as Lap2alpha(-/-)/Mdx mutants. Unlike conditional deletion of LAP2alpha in late embryonic striated muscle, its complete knockout caused systolic dysfunction in young mice, accompanied by sporadic fibrosis in old animals, as well as deregulation of major cardiac transcription factors GATA4 and myocyte enhancer factor 2c. Activation of compensatory pathways, including downregulation of beta-adrenergic receptor signaling, resulted in reduced responsiveness of the myocardium to chronic beta-adrenergic stimulation and stalled the progression of LAP2alpha-deficient hearts from hypertrophy toward cardiac failure. Dystrophin deficiency in an Mdx background resulted in a transient rescue of the Lap2alpha(-/-) phenotype. Our data suggest a novel role of LAP2alpha in the maintenance of cardiac function under normal and stress conditions.

Lipid accumulation product is related to metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Xiang, S; Hua, F; Chen, L; Tang, Y; Jiang, X; Liu, Z

2013-02-01

Metabolic disturbances are common features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which possibly enhance the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of LAP to identify metabolic syndrome (MS) in PCOS women. In a cross-sectional study, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical parameters were measured in 105 PCOS women. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to find out the cut-off points of LAP to predict MS. MS was categorized according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The prevalence of MS was 43.8% in this study. PCOS women with MS had significantly higher LAP levels compared to those without MS. LAP was highly correlated with components of MS. ROC analysis showed that LAP was a significant discriminator for MS in PCOS women, and the optimal cutoff point of LAP to predict MS was 54.2 (93.3% sensitivity, 96.7% specificity). LAP seems to be associated with MS and has a strong and reliable diagnostic accuracy for MS in PCOS women. © J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

The Staphylococcus aureus leucine aminopeptidase LAP is localized to the bacterial cytosol and demonstrates a broad substrate range that extends beyond leucine

PubMed Central

Carroll, Ronan K.; Veillard, Florian; Gagne, Danielle T.; Lindenmuth, Jarrod M.; Poreba, Marcin; Drag, Marcin; Potempa, Jan; Shaw, Lindsey N.

2013-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a potent pathogen of humans exhibiting a broad disease range, in part, due to an extensive repertoire of secreted virulence factors, including proteases. Recently, we identified the first example of an intracellular protease (leucine aminopeptidase - LAP) that is required for virulence in S. aureus. Disruption of pepZ, the gene encoding LAP, had no affect on the growth rate of bacteria, however, in systemic and localized infection models the pepZ mutant was significantly attenuated in virulence. Recently, a contradictory report has been published, suggesting that LAP is an extracellular enzyme and it is required for growth in S. aureus. Here, we investigate these results and confirm our previous findings that LAP is localized to the bacterial cytosol and is not required for growth. In addition we conduct a biochemical investigation of purified recombinant LAP identifying optimal conditions for enzymatic activity and substrate preference for hydrolysis. Our results show that LAP has a broad substrate range, including activity against the dipeptide cysteine-glycine and that leucine is not the primary target of LAP. PMID:23241672

Adhesive-bonded scarf and stepped-lap joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart-Smith, L. J.

1973-01-01

Continuum mechanics solutions are derived for the static load-carrying capacity of scarf and stepped-lap adhesive-bonded joints. The analyses account for adhesive plasticity and adherend stiffness imbalance and thermal mismatch. The scarf joint solutions include a simple algebraic formula which serves as a close lower bound, within a small fraction of a per cent of the true answer for most practical geometries and materials. Digital computer programs were developed and, for the stepped-lap joints, the critical adherend and adhesive stresses are computed for each step. The scarf joint solutions exhibit grossly different behavior from that for double-lap joints for long overlaps inasmuch as that the potential bond shear strength continues to increase with indefinitely long overlaps on the scarf joints. The stepped-lap joint solutions exhibit some characteristics of both the scarf and double-lap joints. The stepped-lap computer program handles arbitrary (different) step lengths and thickness and the solutions obtained have clarified potentially weak design details and the remedies. The program has been used effectively to optimize the joint proportions.

Effect of Thread and Rotating Speed on Material Flow Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Lap Welding Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Shude; Li, Zhengwei; Zhou, Zhenlu; Wu, Baosheng

2017-10-01

This study focused on the effects of thread on hook and cold lap formation, lap shear property and impact toughness of alclad 2024-T4 friction stir lap welding (FSLW) joints. Except the traditional threaded pin tool (TR-tool), three new tools with different thread locations and orientations were designed. Results showed that thread significantly affected hook, cold lap morphologies and lap shear properties. The tool with tip-threaded pin (T-tool) fabricated joint with flat hook and cold lap, which resulted in shear fracture mode. The tools with bottom-threaded pin (B-tool) eliminated the hook. The tool with reverse-threaded pin (R-tool) widened the stir zone width. When using configuration A, the joints fabricated by the three new tools showed higher failure loads than the joint fabricated by the TR-tool. The joint using the T-tool owned the optimum impact toughness. This study demonstrated the significance of thread during FSLW and provided a reference to optimize tool geometry.

A Study of the Effects of Electrode Number and Decoding Algorithm on Online EEG-Based BCI Behavioral Performance

PubMed Central

Meng, Jianjun; Edelman, Bradley J.; Olsoe, Jaron; Jacobs, Gabriel; Zhang, Shuying; Beyko, Angeliki; He, Bin

2018-01-01

Motor imagery–based brain–computer interface (BCI) using electroencephalography (EEG) has demonstrated promising applications by directly decoding users' movement related mental intention. The selection of control signals, e.g., the channel configuration and decoding algorithm, plays a vital role in the online performance and progressing of BCI control. While several offline analyses report the effect of these factors on BCI accuracy for a single session—performance increases asymptotically by increasing the number of channels, saturates, and then decreases—no online study, to the best of our knowledge, has yet been performed to compare for a single session or across training. The purpose of the current study is to assess, in a group of forty-five subjects, the effect of channel number and decoding method on the progression of BCI performance across multiple training sessions and the corresponding neurophysiological changes. The 45 subjects were divided into three groups using Laplacian Filtering (LAP/S) with nine channels, Common Spatial Pattern (CSP/L) with 40 channels and CSP (CSP/S) with nine channels for online decoding. At the first training session, subjects using CSP/L displayed no significant difference compared to CSP/S but a higher average BCI performance over those using LAP/S. Despite the average performance when using the LAP/S method was initially lower, but LAP/S displayed improvement over first three sessions, whereas the other two groups did not. Additionally, analysis of the recorded EEG during BCI control indicates that the LAP/S produces control signals that are more strongly correlated with the target location and a higher R-square value was shown at the fifth session. In the present study, we found that subjects' average online BCI performance using a large EEG montage does not show significantly better performance after the first session than a smaller montage comprised of a common subset of these electrodes. The LAP/S method with a small EEG montage allowed the subjects to improve their skills across sessions, but no improvement was shown for the CSP method. PMID:29681792

A Study of the Effects of Electrode Number and Decoding Algorithm on Online EEG-Based BCI Behavioral Performance.

PubMed

Meng, Jianjun; Edelman, Bradley J; Olsoe, Jaron; Jacobs, Gabriel; Zhang, Shuying; Beyko, Angeliki; He, Bin

2018-01-01

Motor imagery-based brain-computer interface (BCI) using electroencephalography (EEG) has demonstrated promising applications by directly decoding users' movement related mental intention. The selection of control signals, e.g., the channel configuration and decoding algorithm, plays a vital role in the online performance and progressing of BCI control. While several offline analyses report the effect of these factors on BCI accuracy for a single session-performance increases asymptotically by increasing the number of channels, saturates, and then decreases-no online study, to the best of our knowledge, has yet been performed to compare for a single session or across training. The purpose of the current study is to assess, in a group of forty-five subjects, the effect of channel number and decoding method on the progression of BCI performance across multiple training sessions and the corresponding neurophysiological changes. The 45 subjects were divided into three groups using Laplacian Filtering (LAP/S) with nine channels, Common Spatial Pattern (CSP/L) with 40 channels and CSP (CSP/S) with nine channels for online decoding. At the first training session, subjects using CSP/L displayed no significant difference compared to CSP/S but a higher average BCI performance over those using LAP/S. Despite the average performance when using the LAP/S method was initially lower, but LAP/S displayed improvement over first three sessions, whereas the other two groups did not. Additionally, analysis of the recorded EEG during BCI control indicates that the LAP/S produces control signals that are more strongly correlated with the target location and a higher R-square value was shown at the fifth session. In the present study, we found that subjects' average online BCI performance using a large EEG montage does not show significantly better performance after the first session than a smaller montage comprised of a common subset of these electrodes. The LAP/S method with a small EEG montage allowed the subjects to improve their skills across sessions, but no improvement was shown for the CSP method.

A cost comparison of laparoscopic and open colon surgery in a publicly funded academic institution.

PubMed

Hardy, Krista M; Kwong, Josephine; Pitzul, Kristen B; Vergis, Ashley S; Jackson, Timothy D; Urbach, David R; Okrainec, Allan

2014-04-01

The objective of this study was to compare the total hospital cost of laparoscopic (lap) and open colon surgery at a publicly funded academic institution. Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or open colon surgery for all indications at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, from April 2004 to March 2009 were included. Patient demographic, operative, and outcome data were reviewed retrospectively. Hospital costs were determined from the Ontario Case Costing Initiative, adjusted for inflation, and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between length of stay and total hospital cost. There were 391 elective colon resections (223 lap/168 open, 15.4 % conversion). There was no difference in median age, gender, or Charlson score. Body mass index was slightly higher for laparoscopic surgery (27.5/25.9 lap/open; p = 0.008), while the American Society of Anesthesiologists score was slightly higher for open surgery. Median operative time was greater for laparoscopic surgery (224/196 min, lap/open; p = 0.001). There was no difference in complication rates (21.6/22.5 % lap/open; p = 0.900), reoperations (5.8/6.5 % lap/open; p = 0.833) or 30-day readmissions (7.6/12.5 % lap/open; p = 0.122). Number of emergency room visits was greater with open surgery (12.6/20.8 % lap/open; p = 0.037). Operative cost was higher for laparoscopic surgery ($4,171.37/3,489.29 lap/open; p = 0.001), while total hospital cost was significantly reduced ($9,600.22/12,721.41 lap/open; p = 0.001). Median length of stay was shorter for laparoscopic surgery (5/7 days lap/open; p = 0.000), and this correlated directly with hospital cost. Laparoscopic colon surgery is associated with increased operative costs but significantly lower total hospital costs. The cost savings is related, in part, to reduced length of stay with laparoscopic surgery.

23 CFR 1215.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... consisting of a lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable shoulder belt; and with respect to other passenger vehicles, an occupant restraint system consisting of integrated lap shoulder belts. Secretary means the...

23 CFR 1215.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... consisting of a lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable shoulder belt; and with respect to other passenger vehicles, an occupant restraint system consisting of integrated lap shoulder belts. Secretary means the...

23 CFR 1215.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... consisting of a lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable shoulder belt; and with respect to other passenger vehicles, an occupant restraint system consisting of integrated lap shoulder belts. Secretary means the...

23 CFR 1215.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... consisting of a lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable shoulder belt; and with respect to other passenger vehicles, an occupant restraint system consisting of integrated lap shoulder belts. Secretary means the...

23 CFR 1215.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... consisting of a lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable shoulder belt; and with respect to other passenger vehicles, an occupant restraint system consisting of integrated lap shoulder belts. Secretary means the...

A strong association between lipid accumulation product and diabetes mellitus in japanese women and men.

PubMed

Wakabayashi, Ichiro; Daimon, Takashi

2014-01-01

Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a new continuous marker of lipid overaccumulation that predicts cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine the cutoff value for LAP and evaluate its usefulness. Using a database of results of health checkup examinations for 10,170 Japanese workers (35-40 years of age) conducted at their workplaces, the cutoff value for a high LAP was calculated by analyzing receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the relationships of LAP with hyperglycemia and diabetes. The cutoff value for LAP was 21.1 for women and 37.2 for men. The values were similar when calculated by analyzing the ROC curves for the relationships with hyperglycemia and diabetes. Using these cutoff values, the prevalence of a high LAP was calculated to be 23.7% in women and 28.8% in men. The odds ratio for diabetes in the subjects with vs. those without a high LAP, calculated after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption and regular exercise, was 19.09 (95% CI: 6.57-55.50) in women and 7.40 (95% CI: 5.10-10.75) in men. High odds ratios for hypertension (10.66 [95% CI: 7.77-14.63] in women and 7.31 [95% CI: 6.20-8.62] in men) were also obtained in the subjects with vs. those without a high LAP. Cutoff values for a high LAP in women and men were determined, and high odds ratios for diabetes and hypertension were obtained using the cutoff values for LAP. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether the proposed cutoff values are applicable to people of other ages, races and ethnicities.

15 CFR 285.4 - Establishment of laboratory accreditation programs (LAPs) within NVLAP.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... legislative actions or to requests from private sector entities and government agencies. For legislatively mandated LAPs, NVLAP shall establish the LAP. For requests from private sector entities and government...

Flaw Tolerance In Lap Shear Brazed Joints. Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Len; Flom, Yury

2003-01-01

This paper presents results of the second part of an on-going effort to gain better understanding of defect tolerance in braze joints. In the first part of this three-part series, we mechanically tested and modeled the strength of the lap joints as a function of the overlap distance. A failure criterion was established based on the zone damage theory, which predicts the dependence of the lap joint shear strength on the overlap distance, based on the critical size of a finite damage zone or an overloaded region in the joint. In this second part of the study, we experimentally verified the applicability of the damage zone criterion on prediction of the shear strength of the lap joint and introduced controlled flaws into the lap joints. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the lap joint strength as a function of flaw size and its location through mechanical testing and nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) employing damage zone criterion for definition of failure. The results obtained from the second part of the investigation confirmed that the failure of the ductile lap shear brazed joints occurs when the damage zone reaches approximately 10% of the overlap width. The same failure criterion was applicable to the lap joints containing flaws.

Effect of Different Connection Modes on Bolt Structural Properties of TC4 Alloy in Selective Laser Melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaodan; Huang, Shuangjun; Xu, Liang; Hui, Li; Zhou, Song

2017-12-01

The bolt structural properties of selective laser melted (SLM) samples produced from TC4 powder metal has been investigated. Two different connection molds relative to single lap joint and bilateral lap joint as well as two different state of surface quality were considered. Samples and test procedures were designed in accordance with HB 5143 and HB 5287 standard. The results show that there is a strong influence of connection molds on the dynamic behavior of SLM produced TC4. The mechanical properties of bilateral lap joint are better than those of the single lap joint. Meanwhile the fatigue performance of the bilateral lap joint is much stronger than that of the single lap joint which it is a symmetrical structure of the two-shear test on both sides of the force evenly, while the single lap joint is a single shear sample of the uneven force. There are two kinds of fracture form most of which are broken in the first row of screw and a small part in the middle of the connecting plate.

Melanin targets LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP): A novel pathogenetic mechanism in fungal disease.

PubMed

Chamilos, Georgios; Akoumianaki, Tonia; Kyrmizi, Irene; Brakhage, Axel; Beauvais, Anne; Latge, Jean-Paul

2016-05-03

Intracellular swelling of conidia of the major human airborne fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus results in surface exposure of immunostimulatory pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and triggers activation of a specialized autophagy pathway called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) to promote fungal killing. We have recently discovered that, apart from PAMPs exposure, cell wall melanin removal during germination of A. fumigatus is a prerequisite for activation of LAP. Importantly, melanin promotes fungal pathogenicity via targeting LAP, as a melanin-deficient A. fumigatus mutant restores its virulence upon conditional inactivation of Atg5 in hematopoietic cells of mice. Mechanistically, fungal cell wall melanin selectively excludes the CYBA/p22phox subunit of NADPH oxidase from the phagosome to inhibit LAP, without interfering with signaling regulating cytokine responses. Notably, inhibition of LAP is a general property of melanin pigments, a finding with broad physiological implications.

Broadband Structural Dynamics: Understanding the Impulse-Response of Structures Across Multiple Length and Time Scales

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-18

Spectral domain response calculated • Time domain response obtained through inverse transform Approach 4: WASABI Wavelet Analysis of Structural Anomalies...differences at unity scale! Time Function Transform Apply Spectral Domain Transfer Function Time Function Inverse Transform Transform Transform  mtP

Echocardiographic estimation of left atrial pressure in beagle dogs with experimentally-induced mitral valve regurgitation.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Taisuke; Fukushima, Ryuji; Suzuki, Shuji; Miyaishi, Yuka; Nishimura, Taiki; Hira, Satoshi; Hamabe, Lina; Tanaka, Ryou

2011-08-01

Non-invasive and immediate estimation of left atrial pressure (LAP) is very useful for the management of mitral regurgitation (MR), and many reports have assessed echocardiographic estimations of LAP to date. However, it has been unclear of which examination and evaluate article possess the best accuracy for the MR severity. The present research aims to establish the echocardiographic estimation equation of LAP that is well applicable for clinical MR dogs. After the chordae tendineae rupture was experimentally induced via left atriotomy in six healthy beagle dogs (three males and three females, two years old, weighing between 9.8 to 12.8 kg), a radio telemetry transmitter catheter was inserted, which allows the continuous recordings of LAP without the use of sedation. Approximately 5 weeks after the surgery, echocardiographic examination, indirect blood pressure measurement, measurement of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and LAP measurement by way of the radio telemetry system was performed simultaneously. Subsequently, simple linear regression equations between LAP and each variable were obtained, and the equations were evaluated whether to be applicable for clinical MR dogs. As a result, the ratio of early diastolic mitral flow to early diastolic lateral mitral annulus velocity (E/Ea) had the strongest correlation as maximum LAP=7.03*(E/Ea)-54.86 (r=0.74), and as mean LAP=4.94*(E/Ea)-40.37 (r=0.70) among the all variables. Therefore, these two equations associated with E/Ea should bring more precise and instant estimations of maximum and mean LAP in clinical MR dogs.

EEG and ERP profiles in the high alcohol preferring (HAP) and low alcohol preferring (LAP) mice: relationship to ethanol preference.

PubMed

Slawecki, Craig J; Grahame, Nicholas J; Roth, Jennifer; Katner, Simon N; Ehlers, C L

2003-01-31

Neurophysiological measures, such as decreased P300 amplitude and altered EEG alpha activity, have been associated with increased alcoholism risk. The purpose of the present study was to extend the assessment of the neurophysiological indices associated with alcohol consumption to a recently developed mouse model of high ethanol consumption, the first replicate line of high alcohol preferring (HAP-1) and low alcohol preferring (LAP-1) mice. Male HAP-1, LAP-1, and HS mice from the Institute for Behavioral Genetics at the University of Colorado Health Science Center (i.e., HS/Ibg mice) were implanted with cortical electrodes. EEG activity, and event related potentials (ERPs) were then examined. Following electrophysiological assessment, ethanol preference was assessed to examine the relationship between neurophysiological indices and ethanol consumption. EEG analyses revealed that HAPs and HS/Ibgs had greater peak frequency in the 2-4-Hz band and lower peak frequency in the 6-8- and 1-50-Hz bands of the cortical EEG compared to LAPs. Compared to HAPs, LAPs and HS/Ibgs had decreased peak EEG frequency in the 8-16-Hz band. Decreased parietal cortical power from 8 to 50 Hz was associated with high initial ethanol preference in HAP mice. In regards to ERPs, P1 amplitude was greater in HAPs compared to both LAPs and HS/Ibgs and the P3 latency in LAPs was decreased compared to both HAPs and HS/Ibgs. As expected, HAPs consumed more ethanol and had higher ethanol preference than LAPs and HS/Ibgs. There were no significant differences in ethanol intake or preference between HS/Ibgs and LAPs. These data indicate that selective breeding of the HAP and LAP lines has resulted in the divergence of EEG and ERP phenotypes. The differences observed suggest that increased cortical P1 amplitude and altered cortical EEG activity in the 8-50-Hz frequency range may be neurophysiological 'risk factors' associated with high ethanol consumption in mice. Decreased P3 latency in LAPs compared to HAPs and HS/Ibgs mice may be a 'protective factor'.

Laparoscopic Skills Are Improved With LapMentor™ Training

PubMed Central

Andreatta, Pamela B.; Woodrum, Derek T.; Birkmeyer, John D.; Yellamanchilli, Rajani K.; Doherty, Gerard M.; Gauger, Paul G.; Minter, Rebecca M.

2006-01-01

Objective: To determine if prior training on the LapMentor™ laparoscopic simulator leads to improved performance of basic laparoscopic skills in the animate operating room environment. Summary Background Data: Numerous influences have led to the development of computer-aided laparoscopic simulators: a need for greater efficiency in training, the unique and complex nature of laparoscopic surgery, and the increasing demand that surgeons demonstrate competence before proceeding to the operating room. The LapMentor™ simulator is expensive, however, and its use must be validated and justified prior to implementation into surgical training programs. Methods: Nineteen surgical interns were randomized to training on the LapMentor™ laparoscopic simulator (n = 10) or to a control group (no simulator training, n = 9). Subjects randomized to the LapMentor™ trained to expert criterion levels 2 consecutive times on 6 designated basic skills modules. All subjects then completed a series of laparoscopic exercises in a live porcine model, and performance was assessed independently by 2 blinded reviewers. Time, accuracy rates, and global assessments of performance were recorded with an interrater reliability between reviewers of 0.99. Results: LapMentor™ trained interns completed the 30° camera navigation exercise in significantly less time than control interns (166 ± 52 vs. 220 ± 39 seconds, P < 0.05); they also achieved higher accuracy rates in identifying the required objects with the laparoscope (96% ± 8% vs. 82% ± 15%, P < 0.05). Similarly, on the two-handed object transfer exercise, task completion time for LapMentor™ trained versus control interns was 130 ± 23 versus 184 ± 43 seconds (P < 0.01) with an accuracy rate of 98% ± 5% versus 80% ± 13% (P < 0.001). Additionally, LapMentor™ trained interns outperformed control subjects with regard to camera navigation skills, efficiency of motion, optimal instrument handling, perceptual ability, and performance of safe electrocautery. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that prior training on the LapMentor™ laparoscopic simulator leads to improved resident performance of basic skills in the animate operating room environment. This work marks the first prospective, randomized evaluation of the LapMentor™ simulator, and provides evidence that LapMentor™ training may lead to improved operating room performance. PMID:16772789

Physiological responses to low atmospheric pressure stunning and the implications for welfare.

PubMed

McKeegan, D E F; Sandercock, D A; Gerritzen, M A

2013-04-01

In low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS), poultry are rendered unconscious before slaughter by gradually reducing oxygen tension in the atmosphere to achieve a progressive anoxia. The effects of LAPS are not instantaneous, so there are legitimate welfare concerns around the experience of birds before loss of consciousness. Using self-contained telemetry logging units, high-quality continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (EKG) recordings were obtained from 28 broiler chickens during exposure to LAPS in a commercial poultry processing plant. Application of LAPS was associated with changes in the EEG pattern in the form of increases in total power, decreases in mean frequency, and in particular, increases in slow-wave (delta) activity, indicating a gradual loss of consciousness. Increased delta wave activity was seen within 10 s of LAPS onset and consistently thereafter, peaking at 30 s into LAPS at which point the EEG signal shared characteristics with that of birds in a surgical plane of anesthesia. During LAPS, heart rate consistently decreased, with more pronounced bradycardia and arrhythmia observed after 30 s. No heart rate increases were observed in the period when the birds were potentially conscious. After an initial quiescent period, brief body movements (presumed to be ataxia/loss of posture) were seen on average at 39 s into the LAPS process. Later (after 120 s on average), artifacts related to clonic (wing flapping) and tonic (muscle spasms) convulsions were observed in the EKG recordings. Based on EEG analysis and body movement responses, a conservative estimate of time to loss of consciousness is approximately 40 s. The lack of behavioral responses indicating aversion or escape and absence of heart rate elevation in the conscious period strongly suggest that birds do not find LAPS induction distressing. Collectively, the results suggest that LAPS is a humane approach that has the potential to improve the welfare of poultry at slaughter by gradually inducing unconsciousness without distress, eliminating live shackling and ensuring every bird is adequately stunned before exansguination.

Induction of polyploidy by nuclear fusion mechanism upon decreased expression of the nuclear envelope protein LAP2β in the human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS.

PubMed

Ben-Shoshan, Shirley Oren; Simon, Amos J; Jacob-Hirsch, Jasmine; Shaklai, Sigal; Paz-Yaacov, Nurit; Amariglio, Ninette; Rechavi, Gideon; Trakhtenbrot, Luba

2014-01-28

Polyploidy has been recognized for many years as an important hallmark of cancer cells. Polyploid cells can arise through cell fusion, endoreplication and abortive cell cycle. The inner nuclear membrane protein LAP2β plays key roles in nuclear envelope breakdown and reassembly during mitosis, initiation of replication and transcriptional repression. Here we studied the function of LAP2β in the maintenance of cell ploidy state, a role which has not yet been assigned to this protein. By knocking down the expression of LAP2β, using both viral and non-viral RNAi approaches in osteosarcoma derived U2OS cells, we detected enlarged nuclear size, nearly doubling of DNA content and chromosomal duplications, as analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization and spectral karyotyping methodologies. Spectral karyotyping analyses revealed that near-hexaploid karyotypes of LAP2β knocked down cells consisted of not only seven duplicated chromosomal markers, as could be anticipated by genome duplication mechanism, but also of four single chromosomal markers. Furthermore, spectral karyotyping analysis revealed that both of two near-triploid U2OS sub-clones contained the seven markers that were duplicated in LAP2β knocked down cells, whereas the four single chromosomal markers were detected only in one of them. Gene expression profiling of LAP2β knocked down cells revealed that up to a third of the genes exhibiting significant changes in their expression are involved in cancer progression. Our results suggest that nuclear fusion mechanism underlies the polyploidization induction upon LAP2β reduced expression. Our study implies on a novel role of LAP2β in the maintenance of cell ploidy status. LAP2β depleted U2OS cells can serve as a model to investigate polyploidy and aneuploidy formation by nuclear fusion mechanism and its involvement in cancerogenesis.

[Seatbelts on school buses: are they safe for our children?].

PubMed

Peleg, Kobi; Goldman, Sharon

2008-01-01

In Israel, 280,000 pupils travel daily to school and back home by means of school transportation. In an effort to increase school transportation safety, the installation of lap belts in school transportation vehicles is required since September 1, 2006. In Israel, laws are often passed with good intentions, but frequently without exploring the potential outcomes. Traffic regulation 364a states that "lap belts or other seatbelts" are required in all vehicles used for school transportation. The objective of this study is to review the world-wide literature regarding seatbelts on school buses with an emphasis to identify the risks associated with lap restraints. Over 50 studies, articles and position papers referring to the efficacy of seatbelts, with an emphasis on school transportation, were reviewed. According to the literature, this new traffic regulation could produce more devastating outcomes than previously. Seatbelts were designed to prevent passenger injuries during a motor vehicle crash. Researchers have not proven efficacy of seatbelts in school buses. Lap-only belts have shown to increase the risk of severe injury among children, even in mild crashes. Since young children are not adequately developed to take the force of a lap-only restraint, these belts have been associated with internal injuries, lumbar fracture-dislocations, abdominal contusions and head injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA has reported that lap belts are not effective in preventing injury among children traveling by bus. Children have a two to three fold risk of severe injury when using lap only restraints. On the contrary, lap-shoulder belts may reduce the risk of abdominal injuries by up to 50% relative to lap-only belts. In conclusion, policy makers aimed to implement regulations which will reduce injuries and fatalities. However, neglecting to carry out an in-depth professional review has brought about a regulation requiring lap belts in school buses; a decision which, according to international research studies, can potentially increase the injury risks among pupils.

Architecture for time or transform domain decoding of reed-solomon codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsu, In-Shek (Inventor); Truong, Trieu-Kie (Inventor); Deutsch, Leslie J. (Inventor); Shao, Howard M. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

Two pipeline (255,233) RS decoders, one a time domain decoder and the other a transform domain decoder, use the same first part to develop an errata locator polynomial .tau.(x), and an errata evaluator polynominal A(x). Both the time domain decoder and transform domain decoder have a modified GCD that uses an input multiplexer and an output demultiplexer to reduce the number of GCD cells required. The time domain decoder uses a Chien search and polynomial evaluator on the GCD outputs .tau.(x) and A(x), for the final decoding steps, while the transform domain decoder uses a transform error pattern algorithm operating on .tau.(x) and the initial syndrome computation S(x), followed by an inverse transform algorithm in sequence for the final decoding steps prior to adding the received RS coded message to produce a decoded output message.

Friction stir welding tool and process for welding dissimilar materials

DOEpatents

Hovanski, Yuri; Grant, Glenn J; Jana, Saumyadeep; Mattlin, Karl F

2013-05-07

A friction stir welding tool and process for lap welding dissimilar materials are detailed. The invention includes a cutter scribe that penetrates and extrudes a first material of a lap weld stack to a preselected depth and further cuts a second material to provide a beneficial geometry defined by a plurality of mechanically interlocking features. The tool backfills the interlocking features generating a lap weld across the length of the interface between the dissimilar materials that enhances the shear strength of the lap weld.

Flow in horizontally anisotropic multilayered aquifer systems with leaky wells and aquitards

EPA Science Inventory

Flow problems in an anisotropic domain can be transformed into ones in an equivalent isotropic domain by coordinate transformations. Once analytical solutions are obtained for the equivalent isotropic domain, they can be back transformed to the original anisotropic domain. The ex...

Lipid accumulation product and insulin resistance in Iranian PCOS prevalence study.

PubMed

Hosseinpanah, Farhad; Barzin, Maryam; Erfani, Hadi; Serahati, Sara; Ramezani Tehrani, Fahimeh; Azizi, Fereidoun

2014-07-01

To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of lipid accumulation product (LAP) index as a marker of insulin resistance in a community-based population with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), compared with healthy women. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, LAP index and insulin resistance (IR) were compared in 134 PCOS subjects and 414 healthy women recruited from 1126 reproductive aged women (18-45 years), participants of the Iranian PCOS Prevalence Study. LAP was defined as [WC (cm)-58] ×TG (mmol/l)]. PCOS was diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria, and IR was defined using the homeostatic model assessment IR. LAP, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were compared using the two-tailed Spearman rank correlation test and analysing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for IR. Among the PCOS subjects, the mean ± SD age, BMI, WC and WHR were 32·2 ± 7·7 years, 26·8 ± 5·8 kg/m(2) , 85·2 ± 13·2 cm and 0·80 ± 0·06, respectively, and the median (IQ25-75) of LAP index was 34·03 (17·8-66·3). There was significant correlation between HOMA-IR index and LAP in patients with PCOS (r = 0·41; P < 0·001). Also, ROC curves analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value for LAP to define the presence of IR was 34·1 (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 58%). LAP showed the highest area under curve (AUC) (P < 0·001). Among PCOS subjects, LAP index has the strongest diagnostic accuracy for detection of IR in comparison with BMI, WC and WHR. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Noncanonical autophagy inhibits the auto-inflammatory, lupus-like response to dying cells

PubMed Central

Martinez, Jennifer; Cunha, Larissa D.; Park, Sunmin; Yang, Mao; Lu, Qun; Orchard, Robert; Li, Quan-Zhen; Yan, Mei; Janke, Laura; Guy, Cliff; Linkermann, Andreas; Virgin, Herbert W.; Green, Douglas R.

2016-01-01

Defects in dying cell clearance are postulated to underlie the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)1. Mice lacking molecules associated with dying cell clearance develop SLE-like disease2, and phagocytes from SLE patients often display defective clearance and increased inflammatory cytokine production when exposed to dying cells in vitro. Previously, we3–6 and others7 described a form of noncanonical autophagy called “LC3-associated phagocytosis” (LAP), wherein phagosomes containing engulfed particles, including dying cells3,4,7, recruit elements of the autophagy pathway to facilitate phagosome maturation and digestion of cargo. Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms in atg58 and possibly atg79, involved in both canonical autophagy and LAP3–7, as predisposition markers for SLE. Here, we describe the consequences of defective LAP in vivo. Mice lacking any of several components of the LAP pathway display elevated serum inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies, glomerular immune complex deposition, and evidence of kidney damage. Dying cells, injected into LAP-deficient animals, are engulfed but not efficiently degraded, and trigger acute elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines but not the anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10. Repeated injection of dying cells into LAP-deficient, but not LAP-sufficient animals accelerated SLE-like disease, including increased serum levels of autoantibodies. In contrast, animals deficient for genes required for canonical autophagy but not LAP do not display defective dead cell clearance, inflammatory cytokine production, or SLE-like disease, and like wild-type animals, produce IL-10 in response to dying cells. Therefore, defects in LAP, rather than canonical autophagy, can cause SLE-like phenomena, and may contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE. PMID:27096368

Synergistic Effect of Ionizing Radiation and β-lapachone against RKO Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

PubMed Central

Kim, Eun Jung; Ji, In-Mi; Ahn, Ki-Jung; Choi, Eun Kyung; Park, Heon-Jin; Lim, Byung Uk; Song, Chang W.

2005-01-01

Purpose To reveal the interaction between β-Lapachone (β-lap) and ionizing radiation in causing cell death in RKO human colon adenocarcinoma cells, and to elucidate the potential usefulness of combined β-lap treatment and radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Materials and Methods The cytotoxicities of various treatments were determined in vitro using clonogenic and apoptotic cell death. The changes in cell cycle distribution were studied using flow cytometry and an in vitro kinase assay. The tumor growth was studied using RKO tumors grown s.c. in the hind leg BALB/c- nuslc nude mice. Results β-lap caused clonogenic cell death and rapid apoptosis in RKO cells in vitro, in a dose dependent manner. The repair of sublethal radiation damage was almost completely inhibited when cells were maintained in β-lap during the interval between the two-dose irradiation. Flow cytometry study demonstrated that β-lap induced apoptosis, independent of the cell cycle phase, and completely prohibited the induction of radiation-induced G2 arrest in irradiated cells. The prohibition of radiation-induced G2 arrest is unclear, but may be related to the profound suppression of the p53, p21 and cyclin B1-Cdc2 kinase activities observed in cells treated with β-lap. The combination of β-lap and radiation markedly enhanced the radiation-induced growth suppression of tumors. Conclusion β-lap is cytotoxic against RKO cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and also sensitized cells to ionizing radiation by inhibiting sublethal radiation damage repair. β-lap is potentially useful as a potent anti-cancer chemotherapy drug and potent radiosensitizer against caner cells. PMID:19956501

Flexible cryogenic conduit

DOEpatents

Brindza, Paul Daniel; Wines, Robin Renee; Takacs, James Joseph

1999-01-01

A flexible and relatively low cost cryogenic conduit is described. The flexible cryogenic conduit of the present invention comprises a first inner corrugated tube with single braided serving, a second outer corrugated tube with single braided serving concentric with the inner corrugated tube, and arranged outwardly about the periphery of the inner corrugated tube and between the inner and outer corrugated tubes: a superinsulation layer; a one half lap layer of polyester ribbon; a one half lap layer of copper ribbon; a spirally wound refrigeration tube; a second one half lap layer of copper ribbon; a second one half lap layer of polyester ribbon; a second superinsulation layer; a third one half lap layer of polyester ribbon; and a spirally wound stretchable and compressible filament.

Single crystal diamond lapping procedure

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

Grayson, R.A.

A facility capable of resharpening quality cutting edges on single crystal diamond cutting tools was needed as the demand in precision machining of special optical surfaces became a common occurrence here at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. A specially constructed lapping machine using an air bearing spindle was built to achieve the required edge quality. The basic design for this lap was taken out of a technical report by W.L. Duke and R.T. Lovell of Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant Union Carbide Corp. We have also purchased two commercially built lapping machines recommended to us by Mr. Cory A. Knottenbelt, formerly ofmore » R.C.A. Diamond Lapping Facility, in Indianapolis, Indiana, now doing state-of-the-art polishing and relapping at LLNL facilities.« less

Peritoneal drainage does not stabilize extremely low birth weight infants with perforated bowel: data from the NET Trial.

PubMed

Rees, Clare M; Eaton, Simon; Khoo, A Kate; Kiely, Edward M; Pierro, Agostino

2010-02-01

Proponents of peritoneal drainage (PD) hypothesize that it allows stabilization before laparotomy. We examined this hypothesis by comparing clinical status before and after either PD or primary laparotomy (LAP). In an ethically approved, international, prospective randomized controlled trial (2002-2006), extremely low birth weight (<1000 g) infants with pneumoperitoneum received primary PD (n = 35) or LAP (n = 34). Physiologic data were collected prospectively and organ failure scores calculated and compared between preprocedure and day 1 after procedure. Data, expressed as mean +/- SD or median (range), were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. There was no postprocedure improvement in either PD or LAP group comparing heart rate (PD, P = 1.0; LAP, P = .6), blood pressure (PD, P = .6; LAP, P = .8), inotrope requirement (PD, P = .2; LAP, P = .3), or Arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PD, P = .1; LAP, P = .5). Infants managed with PD had a worsening cardiovascular status (P = .05). There were no differences in total organ failure score in either group (PD, P = .5; LAP, P = 1). Only 4 infants survived with PD alone with no difference between preprocedure and postprocedure organ failure score (P = .4). Peritoneal drainage does not immediately improve clinical status in extremely low birth weight infants with bowel perforation. The use of PD as a stabilizing or temporizing measure is not supported by these results. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Accuracy Evaluation of the Finite Fourier Transform Using Sampled Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morelli, Eugene A.

1997-01-01

Many system identification and signal processing procedures can be done advantageously in the frequency domain. A required preliminary step for this approach is the transformation of sampled time domain data into the frequency domain. The analytical tool used for this transformation is the finite Fourier transform. Inaccuracy in the transformation can degrade system identification and signal processing results. This work presents a method for evaluating the finite Fourier transform using cubic interpolation of sampled time domain data for high accuracy, and the chirp Zeta-transform for arbitrary frequency resolution. The accuracy of the technique is demonstrated in example cases where the transformation can be evaluated analytically. Arbitrary frequency resolution is shown to be important for capturing details of the data in the frequency domain. The technique is demonstrated using flight test data from a longitudinal maneuver of the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle.

Phase III, Randomized Study of Dual Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Blockade With Lapatinib Plus Trastuzumab in Combination With an Aromatase Inhibitor in Postmenopausal Women With HER2-Positive, Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: ALTERNATIVE.

PubMed

Johnston, Stephen R D; Hegg, Roberto; Im, Seock-Ah; Park, In Hae; Burdaeva, Olga; Kurteva, Galina; Press, Michael F; Tjulandin, Sergei; Iwata, Hiroji; Simon, Sergio D; Kenny, Sarah; Sarp, Severine; Izquierdo, Miguel A; Williams, Lisa S; Gradishar, William J

2018-03-10

Purpose Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeting plus endocrine therapy (ET) improved clinical benefit in HER2-positive, hormone receptor (HR)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) versus ET alone. Dual HER2 blockade enhances clinical benefit versus single HER2 blockade. The ALTERNATIVE study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dual HER2 blockade plus aromatase inhibitor (AI) in postmenopausal women with HER2-positive/HR-positive MBC who received prior ET and prior neo(adjuvant)/first-line trastuzumab (TRAS) plus chemotherapy. Methods Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive lapatinib (LAP) + TRAS + AI, TRAS + AI, or LAP + AI. Patients for whom chemotherapy was intended were excluded. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS; investigator assessed) with LAP + TRAS + AI versus TRAS + AI. Secondary end points were PFS (comparison of other arms), overall survival, overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, and safety. Results Three hundred fifty-five patients were included in this analysis: LAP + TRAS + AI (n = 120), TRAS + AI (n = 117), and LAP + AI (n = 118). Baseline characteristics were balanced. The study met its primary end point; superior PFS was observed with LAP + TRAS + AI versus TRAS + AI (median PFS, 11 v 5.7 months; hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.88; P = .0064). Consistent PFS benefit was observed in predefined subgroups. Overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, and overall survival also favored LAP + TRAS + AI. The median PFS with LAP + AI versus TRAS + AI was 8.3 versus 5.7 months (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.98; P = .0361). Common adverse events (AEs; ≥ 15%) with LAP + TRAS + AI, TRAS + AI, and LAP + AI were diarrhea (69%, 9%, and 51%, respectively), rash (36%, 2%, and 28%, respectively), nausea (22%, 9%, and 22%, respectively), and paronychia (30%, 0%, and 15%, respectively), mostly grade 1 or 2. Serious AEs were reported similarly across the three groups, and AEs leading to discontinuation were lower with LAP + TRAS + AI. Conclusion Dual HER2 blockade with LAP + TRAS + AI showed superior PFS benefit versus TRAS + AI in patients with HER2-positive/HR-positive MBC. This combination offers an effective and safe chemotherapy-sparing alternative treatment regimen for this patient population.

A lapping apparatus for hard tissue sections.

PubMed

Malcolm, A S

1975-02-01

A Lapping Apparatus is described which enables sections both embedded and unembedded to be ground plano parallel within +/- 1 micron. Sections cemented to steel subplates are retained by a magnetic holder which simplifies loading and unloading. Good surface and edge finish can be obtained and only short lapping times are required.

Machine imparting complex rotary motion for lapping a spherical inner diameter

DOEpatents

Carroll, Thomas A.; Yetter, Harold H.

1986-01-01

An apparatus for imparting complex rotary motion is used to lap an inner spherical diameter surface of a workpiece. A lapping tool consists of a dome and rod mounted along the dome's vertical axis. The workpiece containing the lapping tool is held in a gimbal which uses power derived from a secondary takeoff means to impart rotary motion about a horizontal axis. The gimbal is rotated about a vertical axis by a take means while mounted at a radially outward position on a rotating arm.

Machine imparting complex rotary motion for lapping a spherical inner diameter

DOEpatents

Carroll, T.A.; Yetter, H.H.

1985-01-30

An apparatus for imparting complex rotary motion is used to lap an inner spherical diameter surface of a workpiece. A lapping tool consists of a dome and rod mounted along the dome's vertical axis. The workpiece containing the lapping tool is held in a gimbal which uses power derived from a secondary takeoff means to impart rotary motion about a horizontal axis. The gimbal is rotated about a vertical axis by a take means while mounted at a radially outward position on a rotating arm.

Computer-Controlled Cylindrical Polishing Process for Development of Grazing Incidence Optics for Hard X-Ray Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Gufran Sayeed; Gubarev, Mikhail; Speegle, Chet; Ramsey, Brian

2010-01-01

The presentation includes grazing incidence X-ray optics, motivation and challenges, mid spatial frequency generation in cylindrical polishing, design considerations for polishing lap, simulation studies and experimental results, future scope, and summary. Topics include current status of replication optics technology, cylindrical polishing process using large size polishing lap, non-conformance of polishin lap to the optics, development of software and polishing machine, deterministic prediction of polishing, polishing experiment under optimum conditions, and polishing experiment based on known error profile. Future plans include determination of non-uniformity in the polishing lap compliance, development of a polishing sequence based on a known error profile of the specimen, software for generating a mandrel polishing sequence, design an development of a flexible polishing lap, and computer controlled localized polishing process.

Observation on the transformation domains of super-elastic NiTi shape memory alloy and their evolutions during cyclic loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Xi; Kan, Qianhua; Kang, Guozheng; Li, Jian; Qiu, Bo; Yu, Chao

2016-04-01

The strain field of a super-elastic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) and its variation during uniaxial cyclic tension-unloading were observed by a non-contact digital image correlation method, and then the transformation domains and their evolutions were indirectly investigated and discussed. It is seen that the super-elastic NiTi (SMA) exhibits a remarkable localized deformation and the transformation domains evolve periodically with the repeated cyclic tension-unloading within the first several cycles. However, the evolutions of transformation domains at the stage of stable cyclic transformation depend on applied peak stress: when the peak stress is low, no obvious transformation band is observed and the strain field is nearly uniform; when the peak stress is large enough, obvious transformation bands occur due to the residual martensite caused by the prevention of enriched dislocations to the reverse transformation from induced martensite to austenite. Temperature variations measured by an infrared thermal imaging method further verifies the formation and evolution of transformation domains.

Recognition of Activities of Daily Living Based on Environmental Analyses Using Audio Fingerprinting Techniques: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Santos, Rui; Pombo, Nuno; Flórez-Revuelta, Francisco

2018-01-01

An increase in the accuracy of identification of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is very important for different goals of Enhanced Living Environments and for Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) tasks. This increase may be achieved through identification of the surrounding environment. Although this is usually used to identify the location, ADL recognition can be improved with the identification of the sound in that particular environment. This paper reviews audio fingerprinting techniques that can be used with the acoustic data acquired from mobile devices. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in order to identify relevant English language works aimed at the identification of the environment of ADLs using data acquired with mobile devices, published between 2002 and 2017. In total, 40 studies were analyzed and selected from 115 citations. The results highlight several audio fingerprinting techniques, including Modified discrete cosine transform (MDCT), Mel-frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCC), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Gaussian mixture models (GMM), likelihood estimation, logarithmic moduled complex lapped transform (LMCLT), support vector machine (SVM), constant Q transform (CQT), symmetric pairwise boosting (SPB), Philips robust hash (PRH), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and discrete cosine transform (DCT). PMID:29315232

Combination of oriented partial differential equation and shearlet transform for denoising in electronic speckle pattern interferometry fringe patterns.

PubMed

Xu, Wenjun; Tang, Chen; Gu, Fan; Cheng, Jiajia

2017-04-01

It is a key step to remove the massive speckle noise in electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) fringe patterns. In the spatial-domain filtering methods, oriented partial differential equations have been demonstrated to be a powerful tool. In the transform-domain filtering methods, the shearlet transform is a state-of-the-art method. In this paper, we propose a filtering method for ESPI fringe patterns denoising, which is a combination of second-order oriented partial differential equation (SOOPDE) and the shearlet transform, named SOOPDE-Shearlet. Here, the shearlet transform is introduced into the ESPI fringe patterns denoising for the first time. This combination takes advantage of the fact that the spatial-domain filtering method SOOPDE and the transform-domain filtering method shearlet transform benefit from each other. We test the proposed SOOPDE-Shearlet on five experimentally obtained ESPI fringe patterns with poor quality and compare our method with SOOPDE, shearlet transform, windowed Fourier filtering (WFF), and coherence-enhancing diffusion (CEDPDE). Among them, WFF and CEDPDE are the state-of-the-art methods for ESPI fringe patterns denoising in transform domain and spatial domain, respectively. The experimental results have demonstrated the good performance of the proposed SOOPDE-Shearlet.

Pacing Behavior and Tactical Positioning in 500- and 1000-m Short-Track Speed Skating.

PubMed

Noorbergen, Olaf S; Konings, Marco J; Micklewright, Dominic; Elferink-Gemser, Marije T; Hettinga, Florentina J

2016-09-01

To explore pacing behavior and tactical positioning during the shorter 500- and 1000-m short-track competitions. Lap times and intermediate rankings of elite 500- and 1000-m short-track-skating competitors were collected over the 2012-13 season. First, lap times were analyzed using a MANOVA, and for each lap, differences between sex, race type, final ranking, and stage of competition were determined. Second, Kendall tau-b correlations were used to assess relationships between intermediate and final rankings. In addition, intermediate rankings of the winner of each race were examined. Top-placed athletes appeared faster than bottom-placed athletes in every lap in the 500-m, while in the 1000-m no differences were found until the final 4 laps (P < .05). Correlations between intermediate and final rankings were already high at the beginning stages of the 50-m (lap 1: r = .59) but not for the 1000-m (lap 1: r = .21). Although 500- and 1000-m short-track races are both relatively short, fundamental differences in pacing behavior and tactical positioning were found. A fast-start strategy seems to be optimal for 500-m races, while the crucial segment in 1000-m races seems to be from the 6th lap to the finish line (ie, after ± 650 m). These findings provide evidence to suggest that athletes balance between choosing an energetically optimal profile and the tactical and positional benefits that play a role when riding against an opponent, as well as contributing to developing novel insights in exploring athletic behavior when racing against opponents.

Glottic Closing Force Versus Laryngeal Adductory Pressure in the Canine Larynx.

PubMed

Paniello, Randal C; Bhatt, Neel K

2017-03-01

The strength of glottic closure with recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) stimulation has been indirectly measured experimentally by determining the squeezing pressure on a balloon inserted between the vocal folds, termed laryngeal adductory pressure (LAP). In this study, we sought to measure glottic closing force (GCF) directly and compare these results to LAP measures obtained with identical stimulation parameters. In canines, a method for measuring GCF was developed in which a suture was looped through a lateral thyrotomy hole, around the vocal process and back, then attached to a force gauge. The RLN was maximally stimulated and GCF recorded. The LAP was then measured as previously described, using the same stimuli. This process was repeated at 9 stimulation frequencies in 10-Hz intervals from 20 to 100 Hz. The GCF and LAP were compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC). Both sides were measured in 16 dogs, resulting in 32 data sets. The LAP measures were obtained at all frequencies, while GCF was obtained in 246 of 288 (85.4%) attempts. The maximum GCF for each dog typically occurred at 80 to 100 Hz and averaged 0.287 ± 0.106 newtons. Plotting GCF versus LAP for each hemilaryngeal preparation, the mean PCC was 0.932 ± .042 (range, 0.802-0.987). The mean PCC did not differ between control (n = 26) and postoperative (n = 6) hemilarynges. This method for measuring GCF appears valid. The high Pearson's correlation coefficient indicates strong covariance between GCF and LAP, demonstrating that they are both measures of the same physical property. The LAP is easier to perform and more consistently obtained.

Modeling parameters that characterize pacing of elite female 800-m freestyle swimmers.

PubMed

Lipińska, Patrycja; Allen, Sian V; Hopkins, Will G

2016-01-01

Pacing offers a potential avenue for enhancement of endurance performance. We report here a novel method for characterizing pacing in 800-m freestyle swimming. Websites provided 50-m lap and race times for 192 swims of 20 elite female swimmers between 2000 and 2013. Pacing for each swim was characterized with five parameters derived from a linear model: linear and quadratic coefficients for effect of lap number, reductions from predicted time for first and last laps, and lap-time variability (standard error of the estimate). Race-to-race consistency of the parameters was expressed as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The average swim was a shallow negative quadratic with slowest time in the eleventh lap. First and last laps were faster by 6.4% and 3.6%, and lap-time variability was ±0.64%. Consistency between swimmers ranged from low-moderate for the linear and quadratic parameters (ICC = 0.29 and 0.36) to high for the last-lap parameter (ICC = 0.62), while consistency for race time was very high (ICC = 0.80). Only ~15% of swimmers had enough swims (~15 or more) to provide reasonable evidence of optimum parameter values in plots of race time vs. each parameter. The modest consistency of most of the pacing parameters and lack of relationships between parameters and performance suggest that swimmers usually compensated for changes in one parameter with changes in another. In conclusion, pacing in 800-m elite female swimmers can be characterized with five parameters, but identifying an optimal pacing profile is generally impractical.

Customization of laparoscopic gastric devascularization and splenectomy for gastric varices based on CT vascular anatomy.

PubMed

Kawanaka, Hirofumi; Akahoshi, Tomohiko; Nagao, Yoshihiro; Kinjo, Nao; Yoshida, Daisuke; Matsumoto, Yoshihiro; Harimoto, Norifumi; Itoh, Shinji; Yoshizumi, Tomoharu; Maehara, Yoshihiko

2018-01-01

Laparoscopic gastric devascularization(Lap GDS) and splenectomy (SPL) for gastric varices is technically challenging because of highly developed collateral vessels and bleeding tendency. We investigated the feasibility of customization of Lap GDS and SPL based on CT vascular anatomy. We analyzed 61 cirrhotic patients with gastric varices who underwent Lap GDS and SPL between 2006 and 2014. Lap GDS was customized according to the afferent feeding veins (left gastric vein (LGV) and/or posterior gastric vein (PGV)/short gastric vein (SGV)) and efferent drainage veins (gastrorenal shunt and/or gastrophrenic shunt, or numerous retroperitoneal veins) based on CT imaging. Thirty-four patients with efferent drainage veins suitable for balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) underwent B-RTO instead of surgical GDS, with subsequent Lap SPL. Among 27 patients with gastric varices unsuitable for B-RTO, 15 patients with PGV/SGV underwent Lap GDS of the greater curvature and SPL, and 12 patients with LGV or LGV/PGV/SGV underwent Lap GDS of the greater and lesser curvature and SPL. The mean operation time was 294 min and mean blood loss was 198 g. There was no mortality or severe morbidity. Gastric varices were eradicated in all 61 patients, with no bleeding or recurrence during a mean follow-up of 55.9 months. The cumulative 3-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates were 92, 82, and 64%, respectively. Lap GDS and SPL customized based on CT vascular anatomy is a safe and effective procedure for treating gastric varices.

The Impact of Learning Assistance Experience on Teaching Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trammell, Jack; Kourtidis, Joanna

2018-01-01

Many administrators in Learning Assistance Programs (LAPs) have teaching duties, or take on teaching duties at some point in their careers. This study was designed to examine the impact of LAP experience on classroom pedagogy. A pilot study was utilized first through listservs and email chains to ask that question of LAP professionals. After…

Auto Mechanics I. Learning Activity Packets (LAPs). Section A--Orientation and Safety.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

This document contains seven learning activity packets (LAPs) that outline the study activities for the orientation and safety instructional area for an Auto Mechanics I course. The seven LAPs cover the following topics: orientation, safety, hand tools, arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting, oxyacetylene fusion welding, and oxyacetylene braze welding.…

Tool holder for preparation and inspection of a radiused edge cutting tool

DOEpatents

Asmanes, Charles

1979-01-01

A tool holding fixture is provided for removably holding a radiused edge cutting tool in a tool edge lapping apparatus. The fixture allows the operator to preset the lapping radius and angle before the tool holder is placed in the fixture and the holder may be removed from the lapping apparatus to inspect the tool and simply replaced in the fixture to continue lapping in accordance with a precise alignment without realignment of the tool relative to the lap. The tool holder includes a pair of self aligning bearings in the form of precision formed steel balls connected together by a rigid shaft. The tool is held by an arm extending from the shaft and the balls set in fixed position bearing cups and the holder is oscillated back and forth about a fixed axis of rotation to lap the tool radius by means of a reversibly driven belt-pulley arrangement coupled to the shaft between the bearings. To temporarily remove the holder, the drive belt is slipped over the rearward end of the holder and the holder is lifted out of the bearing cups.

Adaptive Filtering in the Wavelet Transform Domain Via Genetic Algorithms

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-08-01

inverse transform process. 2. BACKGROUND The image processing research conducted at the AFRL/IFTA Reconfigurable Computing Laboratory has been...coefficients from the wavelet domain back into the original signal domain. In other words, the inverse transform produces the original signal x(t) from the...coefficients for an inverse wavelet transform, such that the MSE of images reconstructed by this inverse transform is significantly less than the mean squared

Polyvinyl alcohol-based nanocomposite hydrogels containing magnetic laponite RD to remove cadmium.

PubMed

Mola Ali Abasiyan, Sara; Mahdavinia, Gholam Reza

2018-05-01

In this study, magnetic nanocomposite hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol were synthesized. Magnetic polyvinyl alcohol/laponite RD (PVA-mLap) nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that PVA-mLap had desirable magnetic-sorption properties and magnetic-laponite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and added to polyvinyl alcohol. The present nanocomposites were applied to remove Cd 2+ from aqueous solution. The influence of initial Cd 2+ concentration, magnetic-laponite concentration, pH, and ionic strength on adsorption isotherm was investigated. Heterogeneity of adsorption sites was intensified by increasing magnetic concentration of adsorbents and by rising pH value. Results of ionic strength studies indicated that by increasing ionic strength more than four times, the adsorption of Cd 2+ has only decreased around 15%. According to the results, the dominant mechanism of Cd 2+ sorption by the present adsorbents was determined chemical and specific sorption. Therefore, the use of the present nanocomposites as a powerful adsorbent of Cd 2+ in the wastewater treatment is suggested. Isotherm data were described by using Freundlich and Langmuir models, and better fitting was introduced Langmuir model.

Antibiotic eluting clay mineral (Laponite®) for wound healing application: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Ghadiri, M; Chrzanowski, W; Rohanizadeh, R

2014-11-01

Different materials in form of sponge, hydrogel and film have been developed and formulated for treating and dressing burn wounds. In this study, the potential of Laponite, a gel forming clay, in combination with an antimicrobial agent (mafenide), as a wound dressing material was tested in vitro. Laponite/mafenide (Lap/Maf) hydrogel was formulated in three different ratios of Lap/Maf 1:1, 1:2, 1:3. Laponite/mafenide/alginate (Lap/Maf/Alg) film was also formulated by combining Lap/Maf gel (1:1) with alginate. Intercalation rate of mafenide into the layers of Laponite nanoparticles and physico-chemical properties, including wound dressing characteristics of materials were studied using various analytical methods. Furthermore, the degradation of materials and the release profile of mafenide were investigated in simulated wound exudates fluid and antibacterial effectiveness of the eluted mafenide was tested on a range of bacterial species. The cytotoxicity of materials was also evaluated in skin fibroblast culture. The results showed that mafenide molecules were intercalated between the nano-sized layers of Laponite. The eluted mafenide showed active antibacterial effects against all three tested bacteria. All intercalated mafenide released from Lap/Maf 1:1 and 1:2 gel formulations and nearly 80% release from 1:3 formulation during test period. No significant difference was observed in release profile of mafenide between Lap/Maf/Alg film and Lap/Maf formulations. Wound dressing tests on Lap/Maf/Alg film showed it is a breathable dressing and has capacity to absorb wound exudates. The study showed that prepared Lap/Maf composite has the potential to be used as an antibiotic eluting gel or film for wound healing application. Additionally, Laponite has shown benefits in wound healing processes by releasing Mg(2+) ions and thereby reducing the cytotoxic effect of mafenide on fibroblast cells.

Behavioural, brain and cardiac responses to hypobaric hypoxia in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Martin, Jessica E; Christensen, Karen; Vizzier-Thaxton, Yvonne; Mitchell, Malcolm A; McKeegan, Dorothy E F

2016-09-01

A novel approach to pre-slaughter stunning of chickens has been developed in which birds are rendered unconscious by progressive hypobaric hypoxia. Termed Low Atmospheric Pressure Stunning (LAPS), this approach involves application of gradual decompression lasting 280s according to a prescribed curve. We examined responses to LAPS by recording behaviour, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) in individual male chickens, and interpreted these with regard to the welfare impact of the process. We also examined the effect of two temperature adjusted pressure curves on these responses. Broiler chickens were exposed to LAPS in 30 triplets (16 and 14 triplets assigned to each pressure curve). In each triplet, one bird was instrumented for recording of EEG and ECG while the behaviour of all three birds was observed. Birds showed a consistent sequence of behaviours during LAPS (ataxia, loss of posture, clonic convulsions and motionless) which were observed in all birds. Leg paddling, tonic convulsions, slow wing flapping, mandibulation, head shaking, open bill breathing, deep inhalation, jumping and vocalisation were observed in a proportion of birds. Spectral analysis of EEG responses at 2s intervals throughout LAPS revealed progressive decreases in median frequency at the same time as corresponding progressive increases in total power, followed later by decreases in total power as all birds exhibited isoelectric EEG and died. There was a very pronounced increase in total power at 50-60s into the LAPS cycle, which corresponded to dominance of the signal by high amplitude slow waves, indicating loss of consciousness. Slow wave EEG was seen early in the LAPS process, before behavioural evidence of loss of consciousness such as ataxia and loss of posture, almost certainly due to the fact that it was completely dark in the LAPS chamber. ECG recordings showed a pronounced bradycardia (starting on average 49.6s into LAPS), often associated with arrhythmia, until around 60s into LAPS when heart rate levelled off. There was a good correlation between behavioural, EEG and cardiac measures in relation to loss of consciousness which collectively provide a loss of consciousness estimate of around 60s. There were some effects of temperature adjusted pressure curves on behavioural latencies and ECG responses, but in general responses were consistent and very similar to those reported in previous research on controlled atmosphere stunning with inert gases. The results suggest that the process is humane (slaughter without avoidable fear, anxiety, pain, suffering and distress). In particular, the maintenance of slow wave EEG patterns in the early part of LAPS (while birds are still conscious) is strongly suggestive that LAPS is non-aversive, since we would expect this to be interrupted by pain or discomfort. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical outcomes and health care utilization pre- and post-laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of symptomatic fibroids and laparoscopic myomectomy: a randomized trial of uterine-sparing techniques (TRUST) in Canada.

PubMed

Rattray, Darrien D; Weins, Laura; Regush, Lexy C; Bowen, James M; O'Reilly, Daria; Thiel, John A

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of fibroids (Lap-RFA) and laparoscopic myomectomy in terms of 1) health care utilization and 2) serious complication rates. The secondary objectives were comparison of subject responses to validated symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires. We hypothesized that Lap-RFA health care utilization and clinical outcomes would not be worse than those of laparoscopic myomectomy in the aggregate. Post-market, randomized, prospective, multicenter, longitudinal, non-inferiority interventional comparative evaluation of health care utilization and clinical outcomes in premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who desired uterine conservation was conducted. Both procedures were planned as outpatient day surgeries. Health care resource utilization was measured during the procedure day and at 1 week, 1 and 3 months post-surgery. Symptom severity and quality of life were based on patients' responses to the Uterine Fibroid Symptom Severity and Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, EuroQol-5D-visual analog scale general health status and menstrual impact questionnaires, and time from work. Forty-five participants provided written informed consent and were enrolled (Lap-RFA, n=23; myomectomy, n=22) in Canada. Hospitalization time (primary endpoint) was 6.7±3.0 hours for the Lap-RFA group and 9.9±10.7 hours for the myomectomy group (Wilcoxon, p =0.0004). Intraoperative blood loss was lesser for Lap-RFA subjects: 25.2±21.6 versus 82.4±62.5 mL ( p =0.0002). Lap-RFA procedures took lesser time than myomectomy procedures: 70.0 versus 86.5 minutes ( p =0.018), and Lap-RFA required -34.9% (130 fewer) units of surgical equipment. At 3 months, both cohorts reported the same significant symptom severity reduction (-44.8%; p <0.0001). Lap-RFA subjects also took lesser time from work: 11.1±7.6 versus 18.5±10.6 days ( p =0.0193). One myomectomy subject was hospitalized overnight after experiencing a 20-second asystole during the procedure. One Lap-RFA subject underwent a reintervention. The combined per patient direct and indirect costs of the two procedures were comparable: Lap-RFA (CAD $5,224.96) and myomectomy (CAD $5,321.96). Compared to myomectomy, Lap-RFA is associated with significantly lesser intraoperative blood loss, shorter procedure and hospitalization times, lesser consumption/use of disposable and reusable surgery equipment, reduced health care resource utilization, and faster return to work through 3 months posttreatment. Direct and indirect costs of Lap-RFA and myomectomy are comparable.

The LapSim virtual reality simulator: promising but not yet proven.

PubMed

Fairhurst, Katherine; Strickland, Andrew; Maddern, Guy

2011-02-01

The acquisition of technical skills using surgical simulators is an area of active research and rapidly evolving technology. The LapSim is a virtual reality simulator that currently allows practice of basic laparoscopic skills and some procedures. To date, no reviews have been published with reference to a single virtual reality simulator. A PubMed search was performed using the keyword "LapSim," with further papers identified from the citations of original search articles. Use of the LapSim to develop surgical skills has yielded overall results, although inconsistencies exist. Data regarding the transferability of learned skills to the operative environment are encouraging as is the validation work, particularly the use of a combination of measured parameters to produce an overall comparative performance score. Although the LapSim currently does not have any proven significant advantages over video trainers in terms of basic skills instruction and although the results of validation studies are variable, the potential for such technology to have a huge impact on surgical training is apparent. Work to determine standardized learning curves and proficiency criteria for different levels of trainees is incomplete. Moreover, defining which performance parameters measured by the LapSim accurately determine laparoscopic skill is complex. Further technological advances will undoubtedly improve the efficacy of the LapSim, and the results of large multicenter trials are anticipated.

76 FR 59590 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-27

... web lap and tear strap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead at STA 1582 due to fatigue. We are... radial web lap and tear strap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead at station (STA) 1582 due to fatigue... prompted by reports of multiple site damage cracks in the radial web lap and tear strap splices of the aft...

Viscoelastic analysis of adhesively bonded joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delale, F.; Erdogan, F.

1980-01-01

An adhesively bonded lap joint is analyzed by assuming that the adherends are elastic and the adhesive is linearly viscoelastic. After formulating the general problem a specific example for two identical adherends bonded through a three parameter viscoelastic solid adhesive is considered. The standard Laplace transform technique is used to solve the problem. The stress distribution in the adhesive layer is calculated for three different external loads, namely, membrane loading, bending, and transverse shear loading. The results indicate that the peak value of the normal stress in the adhesive is not only consistently higher than the corresponding shear stress but also decays slower.

Associação entre lipid accumulation product (LAP) e hirsutismo na síndrome do ovário policístico.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Flávia Ribeiro; Rezende, Mariana Bicalho; Faria, Nícolas Figueiredo; Dias, Tomás Ribeiro Gonçalves; de Oliveira, Walter Carlos Santos; Rocha, Ana Luiza Lunardi; Cândido, Ana Lúcia

2016-02-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine metabolic disorder in women between menarche and menopause. Clinical hyperandrogenism is the most important diagnostic criterion of the syndrome, which manifests as hirsutism in 70% of cases. Hirsute carriers of PCOS have high cardiovascular risk. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is an index for the evaluation of lipid accumulation in adults and the prediction of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between LAP and hirsutism in women with PCOS. This was a cross-sectional observational study of a secondary database, which included 263 patients who had visited the Hyperandrogenism Outpatient Clinic from November 2009 to July 2014. The exclusion criteria were patients without Ferriman-Gallwey index (FGI) and/or LAP data. We used the Rotterdam criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS. All patients underwent medical assessment followed by measurement and recording of anthropometric data and the laboratory tests for measurement of the following: thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone (follicular phase), glycohemoglobin A1c, and basal insulin. In addition, the subjects underwent lipid profiling and oral glucose tolerance tests. Other laboratory measurements were determined according to clinical criteria. LAP and the homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA-IR) were calculated using the data obtained. We divided patients into two groups: the PCOS group with normal LAP (< 34.5) and the PCOS group with altered LAP (> 34.5) to compare the occurrence of hirsutism. For statistical analysis, we used SPSS Statistics for Windows® and Microsoft Excel programs, with descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and comparative analyses (Student's t-test and Chi-square test). We considered relations significant when the p-value was ≤ 0.05. LAP was high in most patients (n = 177; 67.3%) and the FGI indicated that 58.5% of the patients (n = 154) had hirsutism. The analysis by LAP quartiles showed a positive correlation (p = 0.04) among patients with a high FGI and an upper quartile LAP (> 79.5) when compared with those with LAP < 29.0 (lower quartile). This study demonstrated an association between high LAP and hirsutism. The FGI could represent a simple and low-cost tool to infer an increased cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS. Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) as Markers of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Associated Disturbances in Young Argentine Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PubMed

Abruzzese, Giselle A; Cerrrone, Gloria E; Gamez, Juan M; Graffigna, Mabel N; Belli, Susana; Lioy, Gustavo; Mormandi, Eduardo; Otero, Patricia; Levalle, Oscar A; Motta, Alicia B

2017-01-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder. PCOS women are at high risk of developing insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disorders since young age. We aimed to study the reliability of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) as markers of metabolic disturbances (MD) associated with IR in young reproductive aged PCOS patients. We also evaluated the association between LAP and VAI and the presence of hyperandrogenism. In a cross-sectional study, 110 PCOS patients and 88 control women (18-35 years old) were recruited. PCOS patients were divided into 2 groups, as hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic considering the signs of hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical). Anthropometric measurements were taken and blood samples collected. Metabolic and anthropometric characteristics and their association with IR and associated MD were evaluated and LAP and VAI were calculated. LAP and VAI were compared with TC/HDL-c and TG/HDL-c to define the best markers of MD in this population. Independently of the phenotype, young PCOS patients showed high IR and dyslipidemia. Both LAP and VAI showed to be more effective markers to assess MD and IR in these young women than TG/HDL-c or TC/HDL-c [cut-off values: LAP: 18.24 (sensitivity: 81.43% specificity: 73.49%), positive predictive value (PPV): 75.0%, negative predictive value (NPV): 77.27%, VAI: 2.19 (sensitivity: 81.16% specificity: 72.15% PPV: 74.65% NPV: 72.22%)]. LAP and VAI are representative markers to assess MD associated with IR in young PCOS patients. All PCOS patients, independently of their androgenic condition, showed high metabolic risk. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Left atrial pressure pattern without a-wave in sinus rhythm after cardioversion affects the outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Kishima, Hideyuki; Mine, Takanao; Takahashi, Satoshi; Ashida, Kenki; Ishihara, Masaharu; Masuyama, Tohru

2018-04-24

The a-wave in left atrial pressure (LAP) is often not observed after cardioversion (CV). We hypothesized that repeated atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in patients who do not show a-wave pattern after CV. We investigated the impact of "LAP pattern without a-wave" on the outcome after catheter ablation (CA) for AF. We studied 100 patients (64 males, age 66 ± 8 years, 42 with non-paroxysmal AF) who underwent CA for AF. Sustained- or induced-AF were terminated with internal CV, and LAP was measured during sinus rhythm (SR) after CV. LAP pattern without a-wave was defined as absence of a-wave (the "a-wave" was defined as a protruding part by 0.2 mmHg or more from the baseline) in LAP wave form. AF was terminated with CV in all patients. Recurrent AF was detected in 35/100 (35%) during the follow-up period (13.1 ± 7.8 month). Univariate analysis revealed higher prevalence of LAP pattern without a-wave (71 vs. 17%, P < 0.0001), larger left atrial volume, elevated E wave, and decreased deceleration time as significant variables. On multivariate analysis, LAP pattern without a-wave was only independently associated with recurrent AF (P = 0.0014, OR 9.865, 95% CI 2.327-54.861). Moreover, patients with LAP pattern without a-wave had a higher risk of recurrent AF than patients with a-wave (25/36 patients, 69 vs. 10/64 patients, 16%, log-rank P < 0.0001). Left atrial pressure pattern without a-wave in sinus rhythm after cardioversion could predict recurrence after catheter ablation for AF.

Sensory quality of broiler breast meat influenced by low atmospheric pressure stunning, deboning time and cooking methods.

PubMed

Schilling, M W; Radhakrishnan, V; Vizzier-Thaxton, Y; Christensen, K; Williams, J B; Joseph, P

2015-06-01

Stunning method (low atmospheric pressure stunning, LAPS and electrical stunning, ES), deboning time (0.75 h and 4 h), and cooking method (baking, frying, and sous vide) were evaluated for their impact on the descriptive sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of breast meat (n=576, 144 birds per stunning × deboning time combination). Sensory evaluation was conducted by trained descriptive (n=8) and consumer (n=185) panels. On average, no differences (P>0.05) existed in the sensory acceptability of fried and sous vide cooked broiler breast treatment combinations. However, for oven-baking, the LAPS treatment that was deboned at 4 h was more acceptable (P<0.05) than other treatments and the ES and LAPS 4 h samples had greater (P<0.05) acceptability for texture than their ES and LAPS 0.75 h counterparts. Since consumers were highly variable in their liking of chicken breast treatments, consumers were grouped into clusters for each cooking method based on liking and preference. Cluster analysis data revealed that the largest groups of consumers liked (score≥6.0) all chicken breast treatments, but a larger proportion of consumers liked the 4 h LAPS and ES treatments when compared to the 0.75 h LAPS and ES treatments for all cooking methods. In addition, the consumers who indicated that baked chicken breast was highly acceptable preferred (P<0.05) 4 h LAPS over the 4 h ES samples. Based on sensory results, chicken breast meat from all stunning and deboning method combinations was highly acceptable to the majority of consumers, but the LAPS 4 h treatment had enhanced sensory characteristics when baked. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

A new principle technic for the transformation from frequency domain to time domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ben-Qing

2017-03-01

A principle technic for the transformation from frequency domain to time domain is presented. Firstly, a special type of frequency domain transcendental equation is obtained for an expected frequency domain parameter which is a rational or irrational fraction expression. Secondly, the inverse Laplace transformation is performed. When the two time-domain factors corresponding to the two frequency domain factors at two sides of frequency domain transcendental equation are known quantities, a time domain transcendental equation is reached. At last, the expected time domain parameter corresponding to the expected frequency domain parameter can be solved by the inverse convolution process. Proceeding from rational or irrational fraction expression, all solving process is provided. In the meantime, the property of time domain sequence is analyzed and the strategy for choosing the parameter values is described. Numerical examples are presented to verify the proposed theory and technic. Except for rational or irrational fraction expressions, examples of complex relative permittivity of water and plasma are used as verification method. The principle method proposed in the paper can easily solve problems which are difficult to be solved by Laplace transformation.

FRICTION STIR LAP WELDING OF ALUMINUM - POLYMER USING SCRIBE TECHNOLOGY

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

Upadhyay, Piyush; Hovanski, Yuri; Fifield, Leonard S.

2015-02-16

Friction Stir Scribe (FSS) technology is a relatively new variant of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) which enables lap joining of dissimilar material with very different melting points and different high temperature flow behaviors. The cutter scribe attached at the tip of FSW tool pin effectively cuts the high melting point material such that a mechanically interlocking feature is created between the dissimilar materials. The geometric shape of this interlocking feature determines the shear strength attained by the lap joint. This work presents first use of scribe technology in joining polymers to aluminum alloy. Details of the several runs of scribemore » welding performed in lap joining of ~3.175mm thick polymers including HDPE, filled and unfilled Nylon 66 to 2mm thick AA5182 are presented. The effect of scribe geometry and length on weld interlocking features is presented along with lap shear strength evaluations.« less

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Aluminum Alloy/Stainless Steel Lap Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogura, Tomo; Nishida, Taichi; Nishida, Hidehito; Yoshikawa, Syuhei; Yoshida, Takumi; Omichi, Noriko; Fujimoto, Mitsuo; Hirose, Akio

The mechanical properties and interfacial microstructure of an aluminum alloy/stainless steel dissimilar lap joint using friction stir welding (FSW) were characterized. In an FSWed A3003 aluminum alloy-SUS304 steel lap joint, the strength on the advancing side was larger than that at the retreating side. TEM observation indicated that a sound joint can be obtained from the stage of the formation of the amorphous layer owing to the mechanical alloying effects before the formation of intermetallic compounds. This lap joining technique was also successfully applied to A6061-T6 aluminum alloy-grooved SUS304 plates. The maximum tensile strength of the lap joint was approximately the same as that of the base alloy, however, the proof stress of the joint decreased with the dissolution of the β″ phase in the A6061 aluminium alloy, which is caused by the generation of heat during friction stir welding.

Better Axial Stiffness of a Bicortical Screw Construct Compared to a Cable Construct for Comminuted Vancouver B1 Proximal Femoral Fractures.

PubMed

Griffiths, Jamie T; Taheri, Arash; Day, Robert E; Yates, Piers J

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to biomechanically evaluate the Locking attachment plate (LAP) construct in comparison to a Cable plate construct, for the fixation of periprosthetic femoral fractures after cemented total hip arthroplasty. Each construct incorporated a locking compression plate with bi-cortical locking screws for distal fixation. In the Cable construct, 2 cables and 2 uni-cortical locking screws were used for proximal fixation. In the LAP construct, the cables were replaced by a LAP with 4 bi-cortical locking screws. The LAP construct was significantly stiffer than the cable construct under axial load with a bone gap (P=0.01). The LAP construct offers better axial stiffness compared to the cable construct in the fixation of comminuted Vancouver B1 proximal femoral fractures. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

β-Lapachone attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction in MELAS cybrid cells.

PubMed

Jeong, Moon Hee; Kim, Jin Hwan; Seo, Kang-Sik; Kwak, Tae Hwan; Park, Woo Jin

2014-11-21

Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a mitochondrial disease caused by mutations in the mitochondrial genome. This study investigated the efficacy of β-lapachone (β-lap), a natural quinone compound, in rescuing mitochondrial dysfunction in MELAS cybrid cells. β-Lap significantly restored energy production and mitochondrial membrane potential as well as normalized the elevated ROS level in MELAS cybrid cells. Additionally, β-lap reduced lactic acidosis and restored glucose uptake in the MELAS cybrid cells. Finally, β-lap activated Sirt1 by increasing the intracellular NAD(+)/NADH ratio, which was accompanied by increased mtDNA content. Two other quinone compounds (idebenone and CoQ10) that have rescued mitochondrial dysfunction in previous studies of MELAS cybrid cells had a minimal effect in the current study. Taken together, these results demonstrated that β-lap may provide a novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of MELAS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning Activity Packets for Milling Machines. Unit II--Horizontal Milling Machines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

This learning activity packet (LAP) outlines the study activities and performance tasks covered in a related curriculum guide on milling machines. The course of study in this LAP is intended to help students learn to set up and operate a horizontal mill. Tasks addressed in the LAP include mounting style "A" or "B" arbors and adjusting arbor…

Multivariate Analysis of High Through-Put Adhesively Bonded Single Lap Joints: Experimental and Workflow Protocols

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

unlimited. v List of Tables Table 1 Single-lap-joint experimental parameters ..............................................7 Table 2 Survey ...Joints: Experimental and Workflow Protocols by Robert E Jensen, Daniel C DeSchepper, and David P Flanagan Approved for...TR-7696 ● JUNE 2016 US Army Research Laboratory Multivariate Analysis of High Through-Put Adhesively Bonded Single Lap Joints: Experimental

Marketing and Distributive Education Curriculum Development Report. Final Report from December 31, 1981 to June 30, 1982.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida Atlantic Univ., Boca Raton.

A project developed 10 learning activity packets (LAPs)--3 for Recreation/Tourism and 7 for Human Relations Skills. These LAPs were for use in high schools, vocational-technical centers, and community colleges and for teacher preservice and inservice staff development activities. The LAPs were produced by a team of Marketing and Distributive…

Global-Local Finite Element Analysis of Bonded Single-Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kilic, Bahattin; Madenci, Erdogan; Ambur, Damodar R.

2004-01-01

Adhesively bonded lap joints involve dissimilar material junctions and sharp changes in geometry, possibly leading to premature failure. Although the finite element method is well suited to model the bonded lap joints, traditional finite elements are incapable of correctly resolving the stress state at junctions of dissimilar materials because of the unbounded nature of the stresses. In order to facilitate the use of bonded lap joints in future structures, this study presents a finite element technique utilizing a global (special) element coupled with traditional elements. The global element includes the singular behavior at the junction of dissimilar materials with or without traction-free surfaces.

Left ventricular filling under elevated left atrial pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaddam, Manikantam; Samaee, Milad; Santhanakrishnan, Arvind

2017-11-01

Left atrial pressure (LAP) is elevated in diastolic dysfunction, where left ventricular (LV) filling is impaired due to increase in ventricular stiffness. The impact of increasing LAP and LV stiffness on intraventricular filling hemodynamics remains unclear. We conducted particle image velocimetry and hemodynamics measurements in a left heart simulator (LHS) under increasing LAP and LV stiffness at a heart rate of 70 bpm. The LHS consisted of a flexible-walled LV physical model fitted within a fluid-filled chamber. LV wall motion was generated by a piston pump that imparted pressure fluctuations in the chamber. Resistance and compliance elements in the flow loop were adjusted to obtain bulk physiological hemodynamics in the least stiff LV model. Two LV models of increasing stiffness were subsequently tested under unchanged loop settings. LAP was varied between 5-20 mm Hg for each LV model, by adjusting fluid level in a reservoir upstream of the LV. For constant LV stiffness, increasing LAP lowered cardiac output (CO), while ejection fraction (EF) and E/A ratio were increased. For constant LAP, increasing LV stiffness lowered CO and EF, and increased E/A ratio. The implications of these altered hemodynamics on intraventricular filling vortex characteristics will be presented.

Validation of a novel basic virtual reality simulator, the LAP-X, for training basic laparoscopic skills.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Koji; Egi, Hiroyuki; Hattori, Minoru; Sawada, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Takahisa; Ohdan, Hideki

2014-10-01

Virtual reality surgical simulators are becoming popular as a means of providing trainees with an opportunity to practice laparoscopic skills. The Lap-X (Epona Medical, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) is a novel VR simulator for training basic skills in laparoscopic surgery. The objective of this study was to validate the LAP-X laparoscopic virtual reality simulator by assessing the face and construct validity in order to determine whether the simulator is adequate for basic skills training. The face and content validity were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. To assess the construct validity, the participants, nine expert surgeons (median age: 40 (32-45)) (>100 laparoscopic procedures) and 11 novices performed three basic laparoscopic tasks using the Lap-X. The participants reported a high level of content validity. No significant differences were found between the expert surgeons and the novices (Ps > 0.246). The performance of the expert surgeons on the three tasks was significantly better than that of the novices in all parameters (Ps < 0.05). This study demonstrated the face, content and construct validity of the Lap-X. The Lap-X holds real potential as a home and hospital training device.

Impact of aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis on oral health-related quality of life.

PubMed

Llanos, Alexandre Hugo; Silva, Carlos Guillermo Benítez; Ichimura, Karina Tamie; Rebeis, Estela Sanches; Giudicissi, Marcela; Romano, Marcelo Munhóes; Saraiva, Luciana

2018-01-01

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of different forms of periodontal diseases on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Fifty-two patients with Aggressive Periodontitis (AP) or Chronic Periodontitis (CP) were included: nine patients with Localized Aggressive Periodontitis (LAP), thirty-three patients with Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis (GAP) and ten patients with Generalized Chronic Periodontitis (GCP). Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaires (OHIP-14) were distributed after a clinical examination that measured the following periodontal parameters: tooth loss, bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (REC) and clinical attachment level (CAL). The global OHIP-14 score means were 10.6 for LAP, 16.5 for GAP, and 17.5 for GCP. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed between the LAP group and the other two groups. There was significantly less bleeding and recession in the LAP group than in the patients with the generalized forms of periodontitis. LAP, GAP and GCP have an impact on patient quality of life when measured using the OHIP-14. Patients with GAP and GCP had poorer OHRQoL than LAP patients.

Shading aboveground L-joint and lap-joint tests : comparison of white pine and sugar maple test assemblies

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Daniel L. Lindner

2011-01-01

Five-year performance ratings are presented for two types of untreated, uncoated wood joints (L and lap) in aboveground tests under shaded conditions. The effect of shading on moisture entrapment in pine and maple L and lap joints was evaluated in a moderate decay zone (Madison, Wisconsin). Variations were observed between wood species, visual ratings, joint type,...

75 FR 35356 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-200B, and 747-200F Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-22

...-related skin cracks and corrosion of the skin panel lap joints in the fuselage upper lobe, and repair if... inspections of the fuselage skin at the upper lobe skin lap joints for cracks and evidence of corrosion, and... correct fatigue cracking and corrosion in the fuselage upper lobe skin lap joints, which could lead to...

Comparative effects of amlodipine and benazepril on left atrial pressure in dogs with experimentally-induced mitral valve regurgitation.

PubMed

Suzuki, Shuji; Fukushima, Ryuji; Ishikawa, Taisuke; Yamamoto, Yuta; Hamabe, Lina; Kim, Soomin; Yoshiyuki, Rieko; Machida, Noboru; Tanaka, Ryou

2012-09-18

One of the purposes of treatment for dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) is lowering left atrial pressure (LAP). There has been few study of the amlodipine in dogs with MR and amlodipine's effect on LAP has not been fully evaluated in a quantitative manner because of difficulties in directly measuring LAP. The objective of our study was to compare the short-term effects of amlodipine (0.2 mg/kg PO q12h) vs benazepril (0.5 mg/kg PO q12h), on LAP and echocardiographic parameters in five beagle dogs with experimentally-induced MR. LAP of eight dogs that has own control were measured using radiotelemetry system at baseline and again on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of the drug administration. Mean LAP decreased significantly after amlodipine (11.20 ± 4.19 mmHg vs 14.61 ± 3.81 mmHg at baseline, p < .01) but not after benazepril treatment (13.19 ± 3.47 mmHg, p > .05). LAP was lower after 7 days of amlodipine treatment than after 7 days of benazepril treatment. Significant reduction was seen for the first time 4 days after the administration amlodipine. The rate of the maximal area of the regurgitant jet signals to the left atrium area (ARJ/LAA) of the amlodipine treatment was significantly lower (p < .05) after 7 days compared to baseline. Other echocardiographic parameters did not change significantly. LAP was significantly decreased after amlodipine treatment in dogs with surgically-induced MR but not after benazepril treatment. Although this study did not focus on adverse effects, amlodipine may be an effective drug for helping the patients with acute onset of severe MR, such as rupture of chordae tendinae or end stage patients were the LAP is likely to be elevated. Additional studies in clinical patients with degenerative mitral valve disease and acute chordal rupture are warranted because the blood-pressure lowering effects of amlodipine can decrease renal perfusion and this can further activate the RAAS.

Comparative effects of amlodipine and benazepril on Left Atrial Pressure in Dogs with experimentally-induced Mitral Valve Regurgitation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background One of the purposes of treatment for dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) is lowering left atrial pressure (LAP). There has been few study of the amlodipine in dogs with MR and amlodipine’s effect on LAP has not been fully evaluated in a quantitative manner because of difficulties in directly measuring LAP. The objective of our study was to compare the short-term effects of amlodipine (0.2 mg/kg PO q12h) vs benazepril (0.5 mg/kg PO q12h), on LAP and echocardiographic parameters in five beagle dogs with experimentally-induced MR. LAP of eight dogs that has own control were measured using radiotelemetry system at baseline and again on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 of the drug administration. Results Mean LAP decreased significantly after amlodipine (11.20 ± 4.19 mmHg vs 14.61 ± 3.81 mmHg at baseline, p < .01) but not after benazepril treatment (13.19 ± 3.47 mmHg, p > .05). LAP was lower after 7 days of amlodipine treatment than after 7 days of benazepril treatment. Significant reduction was seen for the first time 4 days after the administration amlodipine. The rate of the maximal area of the regurgitant jet signals to the left atrium area (ARJ/LAA) of the amlodipine treatment was significantly lower (p < .05) after 7 days compared to baseline. Other echocardiographic parameters did not change significantly. Conclusions LAP was significantly decreased after amlodipine treatment in dogs with surgically-induced MR but not after benazepril treatment. Although this study did not focus on adverse effects, amlodipine may be an effective drug for helping the patients with acute onset of severe MR, such as rupture of chordae tendinae or end stage patients were the LAP is likely to be elevated. Additional studies in clinical patients with degenerative mitral valve disease and acute chordal rupture are warranted because the blood-pressure lowering effects of amlodipine can decrease renal perfusion and this can further activate the RAAS. PMID:22989022

Heme oxygenase-1 restores impaired GARPCD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells from patients with acute coronary syndrome by upregulating LAP and GARP expression on activated T lymphocytes.

PubMed

Liu, Yuzhou; Zhao, Xiaoqi; Zhong, Yucheng; Meng, Kai; Yu, Kunwu; Shi, Huairui; Wu, Bangwei; Tony, Hasahya; Zhu, Jianghao; Zhu, Ruirui; Peng, Yudong; Mao, Yi; Cheng, Peng; Mao, Xiaobo; Zeng, Qiutang

2015-01-01

Accumulating evidence shows that the pathological autoreactive immune response is responsible for plaque rupture and the subsequent onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Naturally occurring CD4(+)CD25(+)regulatory T cells (nTregs) are indispensable in suppressing the pathological autoreactive immune response and maintaining immune homeostasis. However, the number and the suppressive function of glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP) (+) CD4(+) CD25(+) activated nTregs were impaired in patients with ACS. Recent evidence suggests that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can regulate the adaptive immune response by promoting the expression of Foxp3. We therefore hypothesized that HO-1 may enhance the function of GARP(+) CD4(+) CD25(+)Tregs in patients with ACS and thus regulate immune imbalance. T lymphocytes were isolated from healthy volunteers (control, n=30) and patients with stable angina (SA, n=40) or ACS (n=51). Half of these cells were treated with an HO-1 inducer (hemin) for 48 h, and the other half were incubated with complete RPMI-1640 medium. The frequencies of T-helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and latency-associated peptide (LAP) (+)CD4(+) T cells and the expression of Foxp3 and GARP by CD4(+)CD25(+)T cells were then assessed by measuring flow cytometry after stimulation in vitro. The suppressive function of activated Tregs was measured by thymidine uptake. The levels of transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-β1) in the plasma were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of the genes encoding these proteins were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Patients with ACS exhibited an impaired number and suppressive function of GARP(+) CD4(+) CD25(+)Tregs and a mixed Th1/Th17-dominant T cell response when compared with the SA and control groups. The expression of LAP in T cells was also lower in patients with ACS compared to patients with SA and the control individuals. Treatment with an HO-1 inducer enhanced the biological activity of GARP(+) CD4(+) CD25(+)Tregs and resulted in increased expression of LAP and GARP by activated T cells. The reduced number and impaired suppressive function of GARP(+) CD4(+) CD25(+)Tregs result in excess effector T cell proliferation, leading to plaque instability and the onset of ACS. HO-1 can effectively restore impaired GARP(+) CD4(+) CD25(+)Tregs from patients with ACS by promoting LAP and GARP expression on activated T cells. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A PC based time domain reflectometer for space station cable fault isolation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pham, Michael; McClean, Marty; Hossain, Sabbir; Vo, Peter; Kouns, Ken

1994-01-01

Significant problems are faced by astronauts on orbit in the Space Station when trying to locate electrical faults in multi-segment avionics and communication cables. These problems necessitate the development of an automated portable device that will detect and locate cable faults using the pulse-echo technique known as Time Domain Reflectometry. A breadboard time domain reflectometer (TDR) circuit board was designed and developed at the NASA-JSC. The TDR board works in conjunction with a GRiD lap-top computer to automate the fault detection and isolation process. A software program was written to automatically display the nature and location of any possible faults. The breadboard system can isolate open circuit and short circuit faults within two feet in a typical space station cable configuration. Follow-on efforts planned for 1994 will produce a compact, portable prototype Space Station TDR capable of automated switching in multi-conductor cables for high fidelity evaluation. This device has many possible commercial applications, including commercial and military aircraft avionics, cable TV, telephone, communication, information and computer network systems. This paper describes the principle of time domain reflectometry and the methodology for on-orbit avionics utility distribution system repair, utilizing the newly developed device called the Space Station Time Domain Reflectometer (SSTDR).

Broadband CARS spectral phase retrieval using a time-domain Kramers–Kronig transform

PubMed Central

Liu, Yuexin; Lee, Young Jong; Cicerone, Marcus T.

2014-01-01

We describe a closed-form approach for performing a Kramers–Kronig (KK) transform that can be used to rapidly and reliably retrieve the phase, and thus the resonant imaginary component, from a broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectrum with a nonflat background. In this approach we transform the frequency-domain data to the time domain, perform an operation that ensures a causality criterion is met, then transform back to the frequency domain. The fact that this method handles causality in the time domain allows us to conveniently account for spectrally varying nonresonant background from CARS as a response function with a finite rise time. A phase error accompanies KK transform of data with finite frequency range. In examples shown here, that phase error leads to small (<1%) errors in the retrieved resonant spectra. PMID:19412273

High-informative version of nonlinear transformation of Langmuir waves to electromagnetic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erofeev, Vasily I.; Erofeev

2014-04-01

The concept of informativeness of nonlinear plasma physical scenario is discussed. Basic principles for heightening the informativeness of plasma kinetic models are explained. Former high-informative correlation analysis of plasma kinetics (Erofeev, V. 2011 High-Informative Plasma Theory, Saarbrücken: LAP) is generalized for studies of weakly turbulent plasmas that contain fields of solenoidal plasma waves apart from former potential ones. Respective machinery of plasma kinetic modeling is applied to an analysis of fusion of Langmuir waves with transformation to electromagnetic waves. It is shown that the customary version of this phenomenon (Terashima, Y. and Yajima, N. 1963 Prog. Theor. Phys. 30, 443; Akhiezer, I. A., Danelia, I. A. and Tsintsadze, N. L. 1964 Sov. Phys. JETP 19, 208; Al'tshul', L. M. and Karpman, V. I. 1965 Sov. Phys. JETP 20, 1043) substantially distorts the picture of merging of Langmuir waves with long wavelengths (λ >~ c/ωpe ).

The Impact of Laparoscopic Approaches on Short-term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Liver Surgery for Metastatic Tumors.

PubMed

Karagkounis, Georgios; Seicean, Andreea; Berber, Eren

2015-06-01

To compare the perioperative outcomes associated with open and laparoscopic (LAP) surgical approaches for liver metastases. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify all adult patients who underwent surgical therapy for metastatic liver tumors between 2006 and 2012 (N=7684). Patients who underwent >1 procedure were excluded. Logistic regression after matching on propensity scores was used to assess the association between surgical approaches and perioperative outcomes. A total of 4555 patients underwent open resection, 387 LAP resection, 297 open radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and 265 LAP RFA. In propensity-matched samples (over 95% of patients successfully matched), there was no significant difference between LAP resection and LAP RFA in perioperative complications and length of stay and both compared favorably with their open counterparts. Minimally invasive approaches for secondary hepatic malignancies were associated with improved postoperative morbidity and length of stay and should be preferred in appropriate patients.

Tensile Shear Properties of the Friction Stir Lap Welded Joints and Material Flow Mechanism Under Pulsatile Revolutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yanying; Liu, Huijie; Du, Shuaishuai

2018-06-01

The aim of the present article is to offer insight into the effects of pin profiles on interface defects, tensile shear properties, microstructures, and the material flow of friction stir lap welded joints. The results indicate that, compared to the lap joints welded by the single threaded plane pin, the three-plane threaded pin, and the triangle threaded pin, the lap joint obtained by the conventional conical threaded pin is characterized by the minimum interface defect. The alternate threads and planes on the pin provide periodical stress, leading to pulsatile material flow patterns. Under the effect of pulsatile revolutions, an asymmetrical flow field is formed around the tool. The threads on the pin force the surrounding material to flow downward. The planes cannot only promote the horizontal flow of the material by scraping, but also provide extra space for the material vertical flow. A heuristic model is established to describe the material flow mechanism during friction stir lap welding under the effect of pulsatile revolutions.

LC3-associated phagocytosis initiated by integrin ITGAM-ITGB2/Mac-1 enhances immunity to Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Herb, Marc; Gluschko, Alexander; Schramm, Michael

2018-06-20

The macroautophagic/autophagic machinery cannot only target cell-endogenous components but also intracellular pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria are targeted both by canonical autophagy and by a noncanonical form of autophagy referred to as LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). The molecular mechanisms involved and whether these processes contribute to anti-listerial immunity or rather provide Listeria with a replicative niche for persistent infection, however, remained unknown. Recently, using an in vivo mouse infection model, we have been able to demonstrate that Listeria in tissue macrophages are targeted exclusively by LAP. Furthermore, our data show that LAP is required for killing of Listeria by macrophages and thereby contributes to anti-listerial immunity of mice, whereas canonical autophagy is completely dispensable. Moreover, we have elucidated the molecular mechanisms that trigger LAP of Listeria and identified the integrin ITGAM-ITGB2/Mac-1/CR3/integrin α M ß 2 as the receptor that initiates LAP in response to Listeria infection.

Effect of Viscosity on Fuel Leakage Between Lapped Plungers and Sleeves and on the Discharge from a Pump-Injection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothrock, A M; Marsh, E T

1935-01-01

Test data and analysis show that the rate of fuel leakage between a lapped plunger and sleeve varies directly with the density of the fuel, the diameter of the plunger, the pressure producing the leakage, and the cube of the mean clearance between the plunger and sleeve. The rate varies inversely as the length of the lapped fit and the viscosity of the fuel. With a mean clearance between the plunger and sleeve of 0.0001 inch the leakage amounts to approximately 0.2 percent of the fuel injected with gasoline and as low as 0.01 percent with diesel fuel oils. With this mean clearance an effective seal is obtained when the length of the lap is three times the diameter of the lap. The deformation of the sleeve and plunger under pressure is sufficient to change the rate of leakage appreciably from that which would be obtained if the clearance was constant under pressure.

Aspergillus Cell Wall Melanin Blocks LC3-Associated Phagocytosis to Promote Pathogenicity.

PubMed

Akoumianaki, Tonia; Kyrmizi, Irene; Valsecchi, Isabel; Gresnigt, Mark S; Samonis, George; Drakos, Elias; Boumpas, Dimitrios; Muszkieta, Laetitia; Prevost, Marie-Christine; Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P; Chavakis, Triantafyllos; Netea, Mihai G; van de Veerdonk, Frank L; Brakhage, Axel A; El-Benna, Jamel; Beauvais, Anne; Latge, Jean-Paul; Chamilos, Georgios

2016-01-13

Concealing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) is a principal strategy used by fungi to avoid immune recognition. Surface exposure of PAMPs during germination can leave the pathogen vulnerable. Accordingly, β-glucan surface exposure during Aspergillus fumigatus germination activates an Atg5-dependent autophagy pathway termed LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), which promotes fungal killing. We found that LAP activation also requires the genetic, biochemical or biological (germination) removal of A. fumigatus cell wall melanin. The attenuated virulence of melanin-deficient A. fumigatus is restored in Atg5-deficient macrophages and in mice upon conditional inactivation of Atg5 in hematopoietic cells. Mechanistically, Aspergillus melanin inhibits NADPH oxidase-dependent activation of LAP by excluding the p22phox subunit from the phagosome. Thus, two events that occur concomitantly during germination of airborne fungi, surface exposure of PAMPs and melanin removal, are necessary for LAP activation and fungal killing. LAP blockade is a general property of melanin pigments, a finding with broad physiological implications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Owning and Operating a Small Business. A Guide for Industrial Cooperative Training Programs. Learning Activity Package No. 14.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Braden, Robert P.; Remzi, Kerim

This learning activity package (LAP) on starting a small business is designed for student self-study. It will help students learn about their aptitudes and abilities as well as about the basics of running a small business. Following a list of learning objectives, the LAP contains a pretest (answer key provided at the end of the LAP). Ten learning…

Double-Lap Shear Test For Honeycomb Core

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nettles, Alan T.; Hodge, Andrew J.

1992-01-01

Double-lap test measures shear strength of panel made of honeycomb core with 8-ply carbon-fiber/epoxy face sheets. Developed to overcome three principal disadvantages of prior standard single-lap shear test: specimen had to be more than 17 in. long; metal face sheets had to be used; and test introduced torque, with consequent bending and peeling of face sheets and spurious tensile or compressive loading of honeycomb.

Adhesives: Test Method, Group Assignment, and Categorization Guide for High-Loading-Rate Applications Preparation and Testing of Single Lap Joints (Ver. 2.2, Unlimited)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

Gerard Chaney, and Charles Pergantis Weapons and Materials Research Directorate, ARL Coatings, Corrosion, and Engineered Polymers Branch (CCEPB...SUBJECT TERMS single lap joint, adhesive, sample preparation, testing, database, metadata, material pedigree, ISO 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17...temperature/water immersion conditioning test for lap-joint test specimens using the test tubes and convection oven method

A servo-controlled canine model of stable severe ischemic left ventricular failure.

PubMed

Wagner, Richard L; Hood, William B; Howland, Peter A

2009-12-01

Reversible left ventricular failure was produced in conscious dogs by compromise of the coronary circulation. In animals with prior left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, mean left atrial pressure (LAP) was incorporated into an automatic feedback control system used to inflate a balloon cuff on the circumflex (Cfx) coronary artery. The system could produce stable increases in LAP to 15-20 mm Hg. The dominating system transfer function was the ratio of LAP to balloon volume (BV), which was characterized by a fixed delay (5 s), with LAP/BV = (8e(-jomegatau ))/(0.02 + jomega). The system was stabilized by a phase lead network to reduce oscillations of LAP. A total of seven experiments were conducted in three dogs, and testing of inotropic agents was possible in three experiments under stable conditions with the pump off after an hour or more of operation. Problems encountered were 0.003-0.008 Hz oscillations in LAP in three experiments, which could usually be controlled by reducing the system gain. Late stage ventricular fibrillation occurred in all three animals, but defibrillation was easily accomplished after deflating the Cfx balloon. This system produces reversible left ventricular failure solely due to ischemia, thus closely simulating clinical heart failure due to coronary insufficiency.

Long-Term Clinical Response to Treatment and Maintenance of Localized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Miller, Karina A. F. S.; Branco-de-Almeida, Luciana S.; Wolf, Sandra; Hovencamp, Nicole; Treloar, Tina; Harrison, Peter; Aukhil, Ikramuddin; Gong, Yan; Shaddox, Luciana M.

2016-01-01

Aim To evaluate long-term clinical response to periodontal therapy and maintenance in localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP). Materials and Methods One hundred forty-one African-Americans diagnosed with LAP, aged 5–25 years, were enrolled. Patients underwent periodontal mechanical debridement plus one week of amoxicillin/metronidazole. Mechanical therapy was repeated as needed and clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and 2 additional annual follow-up visits after treatment. Radiographs from primary dentition of patients with LAP in permanent dentition, and additional healthy siblings (HS) were analyzed retrospectively. Results Periodontal therapy significantly improved probing depth and clinical attachment level up to 4 years (mean reductions: 2.18 ± 1.03 and 2.80 ± 1.43 mm, respectively). Percentage of affected sites was reduced at all timepoints and maintained up to 4 years. Noncompliance with antibiotics/appointments negatively affected the treatment response. Ninety percent of LAP patients in permanent dentition and 32% of HS presented radiographic bone loss in primary dentition. Conclusions Mechanical debridement with one-week of systemic antibiotics along with proper periodontal maintenance was effective in the treatment and successful maintenance of LAP for up to 4 years. LAP in permanent dentition may be preceded in the primary dentition. Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01330719. PMID:27767222

Dual functional extracellular recording using a light-addressable potentiometric sensor for bitter signal transduction.

PubMed

Du, Liping; Wang, Jian; Chen, Wei; Zhao, Luhang; Wu, Chunsheng; Wang, Ping

2018-08-31

This paper presents a dual functional extracellular recording biosensor based on a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS). The design and fabrication of this biosensor make it possible to record both extracellular membrane potential changes and ATP release from a single taste bud cell for the first time. For detecting ATP release, LAPS chip was functionalized with ATP-sensitive DNA aptamer by covalent immobilization. Taste bud cells isolated from rat were cultured on LAPS surface. When the desired single taste bud cell was illuminated by modulated light, ATP release from single taste bud cells can be measured by recording the shifts of bias voltage-photocurrent curves (I-V curves) when the LAPS chip is working in discrete mode. On the other hand, extracellular membrane potential changes can be monitored by recording the fluctuation of LAPS photocurrent when the LAPS chip is working in continuous mode. The results show this biosensor can effectively record the enhancive effect of the bitter substance and inhibitory effect of the carbenoxolone (CBX) on the extracellular membrane potential changes and ATP release of single taste bud cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of CBX also confirms LAPS extracellular recordings are originated from bitter signal transduction. It is proved this biosensor is suitable for extracellular recording of ATP release and membrane potential changes of single taste bud cells. It is suggested this biosensor could be applied to investigating taste signal transduction at the single-cell level as well as applied to other types of cells which have similar functions to taste bud cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Patterns of low acuity patient presentations to emergency departments in New South Wales, Australia.

PubMed

Stephens, Alexandre S; Broome, Richard A

2017-06-01

To explore the patterns of low acuity patient (LAP) presentations to EDs in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Retrospective study of NSW public hospital ED presentations between January 2013 and December 2014 that were registered in the NSW Emergency Department Data Collection (n = 409 035). LAPs were defined according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Sprivulis and multiple ACEM methods. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted odds of LAP ED presentation by a suite of sociodemographic factors. The percentage of LAPs varied considerably by definition, being as high as 54.7% (inner regional areas) and as low as 3.2% (major cities) using revised ACEM methods modified to contain unlimited consultation times or consultation times of 15 min or less, respectively. For each method, higher proportions of LAPs were observed in inner regional and remote/very remote areas relative to major cities. LAP ED presentations, based on ACEM definition with 1 h or 15 min consultation times, were greater in younger patients, increased during out of business hours and weekends, and decreased with increasing general practitioner (GP) density. The percentage of LAPs varied substantially by definition, and further work is required to validate the methods, particularly around the appropriateness of length of consultation time with ACEM, between different hospitals and remoteness areas. Age was strongly associated with low acuity, with substantial effects also observed for GP density, and attendances during out of hours and weekends. © 2017 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.

Economic Impact of Laparoscopic Conversion to Open in Left Colon Resections.

PubMed

Etter, Katherine; Davis, Brad; Roy, Sanjoy; Kalsekar, Iftekhar; Yoo, Andrew

2017-01-01

Studies have shown economic and clinical advantages of laparoscopic left-colon resections. Laparoscopic conversion to open is an important surgical outcome. We estimated conversion incidence, identified risk factors, and measured the clinical and economic impact. In this retrospective study, we used the Premier Perspective database to analyze left-sided colectomies from 2009 to 2014. Operating room time (ORT), length of stay (LOS), total hospital cost (2014 U.S. dollars); along with incidence of in-hospital clinical outcomes (anastomotic leak surrogate [Leak], transfusion, and mortality) were evaluated. Multivariable models accounting for hospital clustering were used to identify conversion risk factors and analyze the effect of conversion on economic and clinical outcomes. A total of 41,417 patients: 8,468 left hemicolectomy and 32,949 sigmoidectomy were identified. Lap-Conversion incidence was 13.3% (95% CI, 12.9-13.7). Adjusted mean LOS (±SE) days was significantly lower for the Lap-Successful group (4.9 compared with Lap-Conversion 6.8 and Open-Planned 7.0), but Lap-Conversion and Open-Planned had similar LOS. Adjusted mean cost was higher for Lap-Conversion $20,165 compared to Open-Planned $18,797; but this difference was smaller than the cost savings for Lap-Successful $16,206 ± $219. Open-Planned had lower odds of Leak compared to Lap-Conversion. Open-Planned and Lap-Conversion had similar odds of transfusion and mortality. Conversion risk factors included inflammatory bowel disease and left-hemicolectomy. Colorectal specialists were associated with 38% decreased odds of conversion. Successful laparoscopic surgery was the most cost effective, with decreased LOS and odds of blood transfusion, leak surrogate, and mortality. Conversion was the most expensive and had increased odds of leak surrogate, but similar LOS compared to Open-Planned. The beneficial effect size of successful laparoscopic surgery was larger than the negative effect of conversion compared to Open-Planned.

A randomized comparison of laparoscopic, magnetically anchored, and flexible endoscopic cameras in performance and workload between laparoscopic and single-incision surgery.

PubMed

Arain, Nabeel A; Cadeddu, Jeffrey A; Best, Sara L; Roshek, Thomas; Chang, Victoria; Hogg, Deborah C; Bergs, Richard; Fernandez, Raul; Webb, Erin M; Scott, Daniel J

2012-04-01

This study aimed to evaluate the surgeon performance and workload of a next-generation magnetically anchored camera compared with laparoscopic and flexible endoscopic imaging systems for laparoscopic and single-site laparoscopy (SSL) settings. The cameras included a 5-mm 30° laparoscope (LAP), a magnetically anchored (MAGS) camera, and a flexible endoscope (ENDO). The three camera systems were evaluated using standardized optical characteristic tests. Each system was used in random order for visualization during performance of a standardized suturing task by four surgeons. Each participant performed three to five consecutive repetitions as a surgeon and also served as a camera driver for other surgeons. Ex vivo testing was conducted in a laparoscopic multiport and SSL layout using a box trainer. In vivo testing was performed only in the multiport configuration and used a previously validated live porcine Nissen model. Optical testing showed superior resolution for MAGS at 5 and 10 cm compared with LAP or ENDO. The field of view ranged from 39 to 99°. The depth of focus was almost three times greater for MAGS (6-270 mm) than for LAP (2-88 mm) or ENDO (1-93 mm). Both ex vivo and in vivo multiport combined surgeon performance was significantly better for LAP than for ENDO, but no significant differences were detected for MAGS. For multiport testing, workload ratings were significantly less ex vivo for LAP and MAGS than for ENDO and less in vivo for LAP than for MAGS or ENDO. For ex vivo SSL, no significant performance differences were detected, but camera drivers rated the workload significantly less for MAGS than for LAP or ENDO. The data suggest that the improved imaging element of the next-generation MAGS camera has optical and performance characteristics that meet or exceed those of the LAP or ENDO systems and that the MAGS camera may be especially useful for SSL. Further refinements of the MAGS camera are encouraged.

Economic Impact of Laparoscopic Conversion to Open in Left Colon Resections

PubMed Central

Etter, Katherine; Davis, Brad; Roy, Sanjoy; Kalsekar, Iftekhar

2017-01-01

Background and Objectives: Studies have shown economic and clinical advantages of laparoscopic left-colon resections. Laparoscopic conversion to open is an important surgical outcome. We estimated conversion incidence, identified risk factors, and measured the clinical and economic impact. Methods: In this retrospective study, we used the Premier Perspective database to analyze left-sided colectomies from 2009 to 2014. Operating room time (ORT), length of stay (LOS), total hospital cost (2014 U.S. dollars); along with incidence of in-hospital clinical outcomes (anastomotic leak surrogate [Leak], transfusion, and mortality) were evaluated. Multivariable models accounting for hospital clustering were used to identify conversion risk factors and analyze the effect of conversion on economic and clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 41,417 patients: 8,468 left hemicolectomy and 32,949 sigmoidectomy were identified. Lap-Conversion incidence was 13.3% (95% CI, 12.9–13.7). Adjusted mean LOS (±SE) days was significantly lower for the Lap-Successful group (4.9 compared with Lap-Conversion 6.8 and Open-Planned 7.0), but Lap-Conversion and Open-Planned had similar LOS. Adjusted mean cost was higher for Lap-Conversion $20,165 compared to Open-Planned $18,797; but this difference was smaller than the cost savings for Lap-Successful $16,206 ± $219. Open-Planned had lower odds of Leak compared to Lap-Conversion. Open-Planned and Lap-Conversion had similar odds of transfusion and mortality. Conversion risk factors included inflammatory bowel disease and left-hemicolectomy. Colorectal specialists were associated with 38% decreased odds of conversion. Conclusions: Successful laparoscopic surgery was the most cost effective, with decreased LOS and odds of blood transfusion, leak surrogate, and mortality. Conversion was the most expensive and had increased odds of leak surrogate, but similar LOS compared to Open-Planned. The beneficial effect size of successful laparoscopic surgery was larger than the negative effect of conversion compared to Open-Planned. PMID:28890650

Flaw Tolerance in Lap Shear Brazed Joints. Part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flom, Yury; Wang, Li-Qin

2003-01-01

Furnace brazing is a joining process used in the aerospace and other industries to produce strong permanent and hermetic structural joints. As in any joining process, brazed joints have various imperfections and defects. At the present time, our understanding of the influence of the internal defects on the strength of the brazed joints is not adequate. The goal of this 3-part investigation is to better understand the properties and failure mechanisms of the brazed joints containing defects. This study focuses on the behavior of the brazed lap shear joints because of their importance in manufacturing aerospace structures. In Part 1, an average shear strength capability and failure modes of the single lap joints are explored. Stainless steel specimens brazed with pure silver are tested in accordance with the AWS C3.2 standard. Comparison of the failure loads and the ultimate shear strength with the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the same specimens as a function of the overlap widths shows excellent correlation between the experimental and calculated values for the defect-free lap joints. A damage zone criterion is shown to work quite well in understanding the failure of the braze joints. In Part 2, the findings of the Part 1 will be verified on the larger test specimens. Also, various flaws will be introduced in the test specimens to simulate lack of braze coverage in the lap joints. Mechanical testing and FEA will be performed on these joints to verify that behavior of the flawed ductile lap joints is similar to joints with a reduced braze area. Finally, in Part 3, the results obtained in Parts 1 and 2 will be applied to the actual brazed structure to evaluate the load-carrying capability of a structural lap joint containing discontinuities. In addition, a simplified engineering procedure will be offered for the laboratory testing of the lap shear specimens.

Radiative effects of light-absorbing particles deposited in snow over Himalayas using WRF-Chem simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarangi, C.; Qian, Y.; Painter, T. H.; Liu, Y.; Lin, G.; Wang, H.

2017-12-01

Radiative forcing induced by light-absorbing particles (LAP) deposited on snow is an important surface forcing. It has been debated that an aerosol-induced increase in atmospheric and surface warming over Tibetan Plateau (TP) prior to the South Asian summer monsoon can have a significant effect on the regional thermodynamics and South Asian monsoon circulation. However, knowledge about the radiative effects due to deposition of LAP in snow over TP is limited. In this study we have used a high-resolution WRF-Chem (coupled with online chemistry and snow-LAP-radiation model) simulations during 2013-2014 to estimate the spatio-temporal variation in LAP deposition on snow, specifically black carbon (BC) and dust particles, in Himalayas. Simulated distributions in meteorology, aerosol concentrations, snow albedo, snow grain size and snow depth are evaluated against satellite and in-situ measurements. The spatio-temporal change in snow albedo and snow grain size with variation in LAP deposition is investigated and the resulting shortwave LAP radiative forcing at surface is calculated. The LAP-radiative forcing due to aerosol deposition, both BC and dust, is higher in magnitude over Himalayan slopes (terrain height below 4 km) compared to that over TP (terrain height above 4 km). We found that the shortwave aerosol radiative forcing efficiency at surface due to increase in deposited mass of BC particles in snow layer ( 25 (W/m2)/ (mg/m2)) is manifold higher than the efficiency of dust particles ( 0.1 (W/m2)/ (mg/m2)) over TP. However, the radiative forcing of dust deposited in snow is similar in magnitude (maximum 20-30 W/m2) to that of BC deposited in snow over TP. This is mainly because the amount of dust deposited in snow over TP can be about 100 times greater than the amount of BC deposited in snow during polluted conditions. The impact of LAP on surface energy balance, snow melting and atmospheric thermodynamics is also examined.

Positive correlation between motion analysis data on the LapMentor virtual reality laparoscopic surgical simulator and the results from videotape assessment of real laparoscopic surgeries.

PubMed

Matsuda, Tadashi; McDougall, Elspeth M; Ono, Yoshinari; Hattori, Ryohei; Baba, Shiro; Iwamura, Masatsugu; Terachi, Toshiro; Naito, Seiji; Clayman, Ralph V

2012-11-01

We studied the construct validity of the LapMentor, a virtual reality laparoscopic surgical simulator, and the correlation between the data collected on the LapMentor and the results of video assessment of real laparoscopic surgeries. Ninety-two urologists were tested on basic skill tasks No. 3 (SK3) to No. 8 (SK8) on the LapMentor. They were divided into three groups: Group A (n=25) had no experience with laparoscopic surgeries as a chief surgeon; group B (n=33) had <35 experiences; and group C (n=34) had ≥35 experiences. Group scores on the accuracy, efficacy, and time of the tasks were compared. Forty physicians with ≥20 experiences supplied unedited videotapes showing a laparoscopic nephrectomy or an adrenalectomy in its entirety, and the videos were assessed in a blinded fashion by expert referees. Correlations between the videotape score (VS) and the performances on the LapMentor were analyzed. Group C showed significantly better outcomes than group A in the accuracy (SK5) (P=0.013), efficacy (SK8) (P=0.014), or speed (SKs 3 and 8) (P=0.009 and P=0.002, respectively) of the performances of LapMentor. Group B showed significantly better outcomes than group A in the speed and efficacy of the performances in SK8 (P=0.011 and P=0.029, respectively). Analyses of motion analysis data of LapMentor demonstrated that smooth and ideal movement of instruments is more important than speed of the movement of instruments to achieve accurate performances in each task. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the average score of the accuracy in SK4, 5, and 8 had significant positive correlation with VS (P=0.01). This study demonstrated the construct and predictive validity of the LapMentor basic skill tasks, supporting their possible usefulness for the preclinical evaluation of laparoscopic skills.

Gender-specific contribution of cardiometabolic index and lipid accumulation product to left ventricular geometry change in general population of rural China.

PubMed

Wang, Haoyu; Sun, Yingxian; Li, Zhao; Guo, Xiaofan; Chen, Shuang; Ye, Ning; Tian, Yichen; Zhang, Lijun

2018-04-10

Despite current interest in the unfavorable impact of cardiometabolic index (CMI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) on diabetes and cardiovascular risk, information regarding the relation of CMI and LAP to left ventricular (LV) geometry has not been specifically addressed. We aimed to examine the hypothesis: (1) CMI and LAP represent an independent determinant of LV remodeling in general population of rural China; (2) there are gender differences in obesity-related alterations in terms of LV morphology. The sample for this cross-sectional analysis included 11,258 participants (mean age 53.9 years; 54.0% females) who underwent assessment of basic metabolic and anthropometric parameters in rural areas of northeast China. Comprehensive echocardiography-defined LV geometric pattern was determined according to left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness. The prevalence rate of eccentric and concentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) presented a proportional increase with elevated quartiles of CMI and LAP in a dose-response manner (all P < 0.005). When CMI and LAP were entered as a continuous variable in multivariable adjusted model, we observed the independent effect of 1 SD increment in CMI and LAP with the probability of eccentric and concentric LVH, while this relationship was more pronounced in females than in males. Likewise, the odds ratio comparing the top versus bottom quartiles of CMI were 2.105 (95%CI:1.600-2.768) for eccentric LVH and 2.236 (95%CI:1.419-3.522) for concentric LVH in females. Males in the highest CMI quartile exhibited a nearly doubled (OR:1.724, 95%CI:1.287-2.311) and 1.523-fold (95%CI:1.003-2.313) greater risk of eccentric and concentric LVH, respectively. Increasing LAP entailed a higher possibility of eccentric LVH by a factor of 3.552 and 1.768 in females and males, respectively. In contrast to females, where LAP fourth quartile and concentric LVH were positively associated (OR:2.544, 95%CI:1.537-4.209), higher LAP did not correlate with concentric LVH in males (OR:1.234, 95%CI:0.824-1.849). CMI and LAP give rise to a new paradigm of accounting for gender difference in obesity-related abnormal LV geometry, an effect that was substantially greater in females. These two indices, acting in concert, may also be advantageous prognostically for refining cardiovascular risk stratification in individuals with LV remodeling.

DNA sequence-dependent compartmentalization and silencing of chromatin at the nuclear lamina.

PubMed

Zullo, Joseph M; Demarco, Ignacio A; Piqué-Regi, Roger; Gaffney, Daniel J; Epstein, Charles B; Spooner, Chauncey J; Luperchio, Teresa R; Bernstein, Bradley E; Pritchard, Jonathan K; Reddy, Karen L; Singh, Harinder

2012-06-22

A large fraction of the mammalian genome is organized into inactive chromosomal domains along the nuclear lamina. The mechanism by which these lamina associated domains (LADs) are established remains to be elucidated. Using genomic repositioning assays, we show that LADs, spanning the developmentally regulated IgH and Cyp3a loci contain discrete DNA regions that associate chromatin with the nuclear lamina and repress gene activity in fibroblasts. Lamina interaction is established during mitosis and likely involves the localized recruitment of Lamin B during late anaphase. Fine-scale mapping of LADs reveals numerous lamina-associating sequences (LASs), which are enriched for a GAGA motif. This repeated motif directs lamina association and is bound by the transcriptional repressor cKrox, in a complex with HDAC3 and Lap2β. Knockdown of cKrox or HDAC3 results in dissociation of LASs/LADs from the nuclear lamina. These results reveal a mechanism that couples nuclear compartmentalization of chromatin domains with the control of gene activity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Screening Adhesively Bonded Single-Lap-Joint Testing Results Using Nonlinear Calculation Parameters

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

versus displacement response for single-lap-joints bonded with damage-tolerant adhe- sives, such the polyurea adhesive plotted in Figure 2, is much...displacement response for a single-lap-joint bonded with a polyurea adhesive. Complex x-y plots are commonly fitted using the Levenberg-Marquardt...expected decrease in maximum strength for the polyurea in compar- ison to the epoxy, which could have been obtained using a traditional analysis approach

Large-scale Advanced Prop-fan (LAP) technology assessment report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Degeorge, C. L.

1988-01-01

The technologically significant findings and accomplishments of the Large Scale Advanced Prop-Fan (LAP) program in the areas of aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, acoustics and materials and fabrication are described. The extent to which the program goals related to these disciplines were achieved is discussed, and recommendations for additional research are presented. The LAP program consisted of the design, manufacture and testing of a near full-scale Prop-Fan or advanced turboprop capable of operating efficiently at speeds to Mach .8. An aeroelastically scaled model of the LAP was also designed and fabricated. The goal of the program was to acquire data on Prop-Fan performance that would indicate the technology readiness of Prop-Fans for practical applications in commercial and military aviation.

Age of Lunar Meteorite LAP02205 and Implications for Impact-Sampling of Planetary Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C.-Y.; Reese, Y.; Bogard, D. D.

2005-01-01

We have measured the age of lunar meteorite LAP02205 by the Rb-Sr and Ar-Ar methods. Sm-Nd analyses are in progress. The Rb-Sr and Ar-Ar ages indicate a crystallization age of approx. 3 Ga. Comparing the ages of LAP02205 and other lunar mare basaltic meteorites to mare surface ages based on the density of impact craters shows no significant bias in impact- sampling of lunar mare surfaces. Comparing the isotopic and geochemical data for LAP02205 to those for other lunar mare basalts suggests that it is a younger variant of the type of volcanism that produced the Apollo 12 basalts. Representative impact-sampling of the lunar surface

Viscoelastic analysis of adhesively bonded joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delale, F.; Erdogan, F.

1981-01-01

In this paper an adhesively bonded lap joint is analyzed by assuming that the adherends are elastic and the adhesive is linearly viscoelastic. After formulating the general problem a specific example for two identical adherends bonded through a three parameter viscoelastic solid adhesive is considered. The standard Laplace transform technique is used to solve the problem. The stress distribution in the adhesive layer is calculated for three different external loads namely, membrane loading, bending, and transverse shear loading. The results indicate that the peak value of the normal stress in the adhesive is not only consistently higher than the corresponding shear stress but also decays slower.

Processing study of a high temperature adhesive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Progar, D. J.

1984-01-01

An adhesive-bonding process cycle study was performed for a polyimidesulphone. The high molecular weight, linear aromatic system possesses properties which make it attractive as a processable, low-cost material for elevated temperature applications. The results of a study to better understand the parameters that affect the adhesive properties of the polymer for titanium alloy adherends are presented. These include the tape preparation, the use of a primer and press and simulated autoclave processing conditions. The polymer was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, glass transition temperature determination, flow measurements, and weight loss measurements. The lap shear strength of the adhesive was used to evaluate the effects of the bonding process variations.

Mesenchymal stromal cells express GARP/LRRC32 on their surface: effects on their biology and immunomodulatory capacity.

PubMed

Carrillo-Galvez, Ana Belén; Cobo, Marién; Cuevas-Ocaña, Sara; Gutiérrez-Guerrero, Alejandra; Sánchez-Gilabert, Almudena; Bongarzone, Pierpaolo; García-Pérez, Angélica; Muñoz, Pilar; Benabdellah, Karim; Toscano, Miguel G; Martín, Francisco; Anderson, Per

2015-01-01

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising tool for therapy in regenerative medicine, transplantation, and autoimmune disease due to their trophic and immunomodulatory activities. However, we are still far from understanding the mechanisms of action of MSCs in these processes. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in MSC migration, differentiation, and immunomodulation. Recently, glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) was shown to bind latency-associated peptide (LAP)/TGF-β1 to the cell surface of activated Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) and megakaryocytes/platelets. In this manuscript, we show that human and mouse MSCs express GARP which presents LAP/TGF-β1 on their cell surface. Silencing GARP expression in MSCs increased their secretion and activation of TGF-β1 and reduced their proliferative capacity in a TGF-β1-independent manner. Importantly, we showed that GARP expression on MSCs contributed to their ability to inhibit T-cell responses in vitro. In summary, we have found that GARP is an essential molecule for MSC biology, regulating their immunomodulatory and proliferative activities. We envision GARP as a new target for improving the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs and also as a novel MSC marker. © 2014 AlphaMed Press.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Express GARP/LRRC32 on Their Surface: Effects on Their Biology and Immunomodulatory Capacity

PubMed Central

Carrillo-Galvez, Ana Belén; Cobo, Marién; Cuevas-Ocaña, Sara; Gutiérrez-Guerrero, Alejandra; Sánchez-Gilabert, Almudena; Bongarzone, Pierpaolo; García-Pérez, Angélica; Muñoz, Pilar; Benabdellah, Karim; Toscano, Miguel G; Martín, Francisco; Anderson, Per

2015-01-01

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising tool for therapy in regenerative medicine, transplantation, and autoimmune disease due to their trophic and immunomodulatory activities. However, we are still far from understanding the mechanisms of action of MSCs in these processes. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in MSC migration, differentiation, and immunomodulation. Recently, glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) was shown to bind latency-associated peptide (LAP)/TGF-β1 to the cell surface of activated Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and megakaryocytes/platelets. In this manuscript, we show that human and mouse MSCs express GARP which presents LAP/TGF-β1 on their cell surface. Silencing GARP expression in MSCs increased their secretion and activation of TGF-β1 and reduced their proliferative capacity in a TGF-β1-independent manner. Importantly, we showed that GARP expression on MSCs contributed to their ability to inhibit T-cell responses in vitro. In summary, we have found that GARP is an essential molecule for MSC biology, regulating their immunomodulatory and proliferative activities. We envision GARP as a new target for improving the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs and also as a novel MSC marker. Stem Cells 2015;33:183–195 PMID:25182959

Socio-Economic and Health Status of Leprosy Affected Person: A Study in Jharkhand.

PubMed

Majumder, N

2015-01-01

The study has been conducted in the Potka Block of East Singhbhum district of the state of Jharkhand. The district is mainly dominated by indigenous tribes, such as, Santhal, Munda, Ho, Bhumiz, Kharia, and Sabar. The unit of analysis of the study was an individual. The objectives were to: a) Understand the socio-economic and health status of LAP, b) Know the health seeking behavior and problems faced by the LAP, c) Assess the utilization of the programs related to Leprosy eradication in the study area and d), Suggest various measures for improving the socio-economic and health status of LAP. Fifty Leprosy affected persons (LAP) from the Potka block; comprising of 20% of LAP of that area have been selected as the study sample by using the method of Multi-Stage Random Sampling, with equal representation of men and women. The LAPs included leprosy patients, leprosy treated people and their family members. 39/50 (78%) of the respondents are illiterates and only 3/11 (6%) among the literate population have crossed matriculation and above. This seems to have resulted in the respondent's low level of awareness about the disease, resulting in delayed treatment. 14/25 (56%) percent of female and 13/25 (52%) of male respondents are considered untouchable by their natal families, thus forced to stay in congested leprosy colonies resulting in other social and health related issues. It was observed that leprosy cured children,and also children of LAP are being denied admission iany school, due to the social stigma attached to it. 27/50 (54%)of leprosy patients and leprosy cured people (mostly with visible deformities) were found to practice begging as their sole means of livelihood. Many LAPs are also engaged in cultivation and small scale business particularly among the rural population. An amount of gender disparity was also observed in the employment pattern among the LAPs. Among the, respondents 15/25 (60%) of the females are beggars as compared to 12/25 (48%) of the male respondents, 5/25 (25%) of males are each engaged in cultivation and small scale businesses in comparison to 1/25 (4%) of female and 6/25 (24%) of the female respondents are unemployed as compared to 2/25 (8%) of male respondents. It was observed that only 30% of the respondents were satisfied with the government treatment, 26% partially satisfied and rest were not satisfied with the government leprosy care system. Most of them wanted to seek treatment from the private health care providers. Overall this study reflects the poor socio-economic conditions of the LAPs. Though results of this exploratory study cannot be extrapolated to country or region or state without studying the situation in detail, it highlights the need for more in-depth studies and of government intervention in the form of encouraging awareness activities in the communities, engaging NGOs im case detection and after care service provision and rehabilitation of the LAPs.

Photoinduced Domain Pattern Transformation in Ferroelectric-Dielectric Superlattices

DOE PAGES

Ahn, Youngjun; Park, Joonkyu; Pateras, Anastasios; ...

2017-07-31

The nanodomain pattern in ferroelectric/dielectric superlattices transforms to a uniform polarization state under above-bandgap optical excitation. X-ray scattering reveals a disappearance of domain diffuse scattering and an expansion of the lattice. Furthermore, the reappearance of the domain pattern occurs over a period of seconds at room temperature, suggesting a transformation mechanism in which charge carriers in long-lived trap states screen the depolarization field. A Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire model predicts changes in lattice parameter and a critical carrier concentration for the transformation.

Photoinduced Domain Pattern Transformation in Ferroelectric-Dielectric Superlattices

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

Ahn, Youngjun; Park, Joonkyu; Pateras, Anastasios

2017-07-01

The nanodomain pattern in ferroelectric/dielectric superlattices transforms to a uniform polarization state under above-bandgap optical excitation. X-ray scattering reveals a disappearance of domain diffuse scattering and an expansion of the lattice. The reappearance of the domain pattern occurs over a period of seconds at room temperature, suggesting a transformation mechanism in which charge carriers in long-lived trap states screen the depolarization field. A Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire model predicts changes in lattice parameter and a critical carrier concentration for the transformation.

L-Cysteine and L-AP4 microinjections in the rat caudal ventrolateral medulla decrease arterial blood pressure.

PubMed

Takemoto, Yumi

2014-12-01

The thiol amino acid L-cysteine increases arterial blood pressure (ABP) when injected into the cerebrospinal fluid space in conscious rats, indicating a pressor response to centrally acting L-cysteine. A prior synaptic membrane binding assay suggests that L-cysteine has a strong affinity for the L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4) binding site. The central action of L-cysteine may be vial-AP4 sensitive receptors. The present study investigated cardiovascular responses to L-cysteine and L-ap4 microinjected into the autonomic area of the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) where inhibitory neurons regulate ABP via pre-sympathetic vasomotor neurons. Both the injection of L-cysteine and L-AP4 in the CVLM sites identified with L-glutamate produced the same depressor and bradycardic responses in urethane-anesthetized rats. Neither a prior antagonist microinjection of MK801 for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor nor CNQX for the non-NMDA receptor attenuated the responses to L-cysteine, but the combination of the two receptor blocking with an additional prior injection abolished the response. In contrast, either receptor blockade alone abolished the response to L-AP4, indicating distinct mechanisms between responses to L-cysteine and L-AP4 in the CVLM. The results indicate that the CVLM is a central active site for L-cysteine's cardiovascular response. Central L-cysteine's action could be independent of the L-AP4 sensitive receptors. Cardiovascular regulation may involve endogenous L-cysteine in the CVLM. Further multidisciplinary examinations are required to elaborate on L-cysteine's functional roles in the CVLM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adaptive Laplacian filtering for sensorimotor rhythm-based brain-computer interfaces.

PubMed

Lu, Jun; McFarland, Dennis J; Wolpaw, Jonathan R

2013-02-01

Sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) are 8-30 Hz oscillations in the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded from the scalp over sensorimotor cortex that change with movement and/or movement imagery. Many brain-computer interface (BCI) studies have shown that people can learn to control SMR amplitudes and can use that control to move cursors and other objects in one, two or three dimensions. At the same time, if SMR-based BCIs are to be useful for people with neuromuscular disabilities, their accuracy and reliability must be improved substantially. These BCIs often use spatial filtering methods such as common average reference (CAR), Laplacian (LAP) filter or common spatial pattern (CSP) filter to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of EEG. Here, we test the hypothesis that a new filter design, called an 'adaptive Laplacian (ALAP) filter', can provide better performance for SMR-based BCIs. An ALAP filter employs a Gaussian kernel to construct a smooth spatial gradient of channel weights and then simultaneously seeks the optimal kernel radius of this spatial filter and the regularization parameter of linear ridge regression. This optimization is based on minimizing the leave-one-out cross-validation error through a gradient descent method and is computationally feasible. Using a variety of kinds of BCI data from a total of 22 individuals, we compare the performances of ALAP filter to CAR, small LAP, large LAP and CSP filters. With a large number of channels and limited data, ALAP performs significantly better than CSP, CAR, small LAP and large LAP both in classification accuracy and in mean-squared error. Using fewer channels restricted to motor areas, ALAP is still superior to CAR, small LAP and large LAP, but equally matched to CSP. Thus, ALAP may help to improve the accuracy and robustness of SMR-based BCIs.

Combining FoxP3 and Helios with GARP/LAP markers can identify expanded Treg subsets in cancer patients.

PubMed

Abd Al Samid, May; Chaudhary, Belal; Khaled, Yazan S; Ammori, Basil J; Elkord, Eyad

2016-03-22

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) comprise numerous heterogeneous subsets with distinct phenotypic and functional features. Identifying Treg markers is critical to investigate the role and clinical impact of various Treg subsets in pathological settings, and also for developing more effective immunotherapies. We have recently shown that non-activated FoxP3-Helios+ and activated FoxP3+/-Helios+ CD4+ T cells express GARP/LAP immunosuppressive markers in healthy donors. In this study we report similar observations in the peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) and liver metastases from colorectal cancer (LICRC). Comparing levels of different Treg subpopulations in cancer patients and controls, we report that in PC patients, and unlike LICRC patients, there was no increase in Treg levels as defined by FoxP3 and Helios. However, defining Tregs based on GARP/LAP expression showed that FoxP3-LAP+ Tregs in non-activated and activated settings, and FoxP3+Helios+GARP+LAP+ activated Tregs were significantly increased in both groups of patients, compared with controls. This work implies that a combination of Treg-specific markers could be used to more accurately determine expanded Treg subsets and to understand their contribution in cancer settings. Additionally, GARP-/+LAP+ CD4+ T cells made IL-10, and not IFN-γ, and levels of IL-10-secreting CD4+ T cells were elevated in LICRC patients, especially with higher tumor staging. Taken together, our results indicate that investigations of Treg levels in different cancers should consider diverse Treg-related markers such as GARP, LAP, Helios, and others and not only FoxP3 as a sole Treg-specific marker.

External validation of the fatty liver index and lipid accumulation product indices, using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to identify hepatic steatosis in healthy controls and obese, insulin-resistant individuals.

PubMed

Cuthbertson, Daniel J; Weickert, Martin O; Lythgoe, Daniel; Sprung, Victoria S; Dobson, Rebecca; Shoajee-Moradie, Fariba; Umpleby, Margot; Pfeiffer, Andreas F H; Thomas, E Louise; Bell, Jimmy D; Jones, Helen; Kemp, Graham J

2014-11-01

Simple clinical algorithms including the fatty liver index (FLI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) have been developed as surrogate markers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), constructed using (semi-quantitative) ultrasonography. This study aimed to validate FLI and LAP as measures of hepatic steatosis, as determined quantitatively by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Data were collected from 168 patients with NAFLD and 168 controls who had undergone clinical, biochemical and anthropometric assessment. Values of FLI and LAP were determined and assessed both as predictors of the presence of hepatic steatosis (liver fat>5.5%) and of actual liver fat content, as measured by 1H-MRS. The discriminative ability of FLI and LAP was estimated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC). As FLI can also be interpreted as a predictive probability of hepatic steatosis, we assessed how well calibrated it was in our cohort. Linear regression with prediction intervals was used to assess the ability of FLI and LAP to predict liver fat content. Further validation was provided in 54 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. FLI, LAP and alanine transferase discriminated between patients with and without steatosis with an AUROC of 0.79 (IQR=0.74, 0.84), 0.78 (IQR=0.72, 0.83) and 0.83 (IQR=0.79, 0.88) respectively although could not quantitatively predict liver fat. Additionally, the algorithms accurately matched the observed percentages of patients with hepatic steatosis in our cohort. FLI and LAP may be used to identify patients with hepatic steatosis clinically or for research purposes but could not predict liver fat content. © 2014 European Society of Endocrinology.

Adaptive Laplacian filtering for sensorimotor rhythm-based brain-computer interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jun; McFarland, Dennis J.; Wolpaw, Jonathan R.

2013-02-01

Objective. Sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) are 8-30 Hz oscillations in the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded from the scalp over sensorimotor cortex that change with movement and/or movement imagery. Many brain-computer interface (BCI) studies have shown that people can learn to control SMR amplitudes and can use that control to move cursors and other objects in one, two or three dimensions. At the same time, if SMR-based BCIs are to be useful for people with neuromuscular disabilities, their accuracy and reliability must be improved substantially. These BCIs often use spatial filtering methods such as common average reference (CAR), Laplacian (LAP) filter or common spatial pattern (CSP) filter to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of EEG. Here, we test the hypothesis that a new filter design, called an ‘adaptive Laplacian (ALAP) filter’, can provide better performance for SMR-based BCIs. Approach. An ALAP filter employs a Gaussian kernel to construct a smooth spatial gradient of channel weights and then simultaneously seeks the optimal kernel radius of this spatial filter and the regularization parameter of linear ridge regression. This optimization is based on minimizing the leave-one-out cross-validation error through a gradient descent method and is computationally feasible. Main results. Using a variety of kinds of BCI data from a total of 22 individuals, we compare the performances of ALAP filter to CAR, small LAP, large LAP and CSP filters. With a large number of channels and limited data, ALAP performs significantly better than CSP, CAR, small LAP and large LAP both in classification accuracy and in mean-squared error. Using fewer channels restricted to motor areas, ALAP is still superior to CAR, small LAP and large LAP, but equally matched to CSP. Significance. Thus, ALAP may help to improve the accuracy and robustness of SMR-based BCIs.

Tokyo Guidelines 2018: flowchart for the management of acute cholecystitis.

PubMed

Okamoto, Kohji; Suzuki, Kenji; Takada, Tadahiro; Strasberg, Steven M; Asbun, Horacio J; Endo, Itaru; Iwashita, Yukio; Hibi, Taizo; Pitt, Henry A; Umezawa, Akiko; Asai, Koji; Han, Ho-Seong; Hwang, Tsann-Long; Mori, Yasuhisa; Yoon, Yoo-Seok; Huang, Wayne Shih-Wei; Belli, Giulio; Dervenis, Christos; Yokoe, Masamichi; Kiriyama, Seiki; Itoi, Takao; Jagannath, Palepu; Garden, O James; Miura, Fumihiko; Nakamura, Masafumi; Horiguchi, Akihiko; Wakabayashi, Go; Cherqui, Daniel; de Santibañes, Eduardo; Shikata, Satoru; Noguchi, Yoshinori; Ukai, Tomohiko; Higuchi, Ryota; Wada, Keita; Honda, Goro; Supe, Avinash Nivritti; Yoshida, Masahiro; Mayumi, Toshihiko; Gouma, Dirk J; Deziel, Daniel J; Liau, Kui-Hin; Chen, Miin-Fu; Shibao, Kazunori; Liu, Keng-Hao; Su, Cheng-Hsi; Chan, Angus C W; Yoon, Dong-Sup; Choi, In-Seok; Jonas, Eduard; Chen, Xiao-Ping; Fan, Sheung Tat; Ker, Chen-Guo; Giménez, Mariano Eduardo; Kitano, Seigo; Inomata, Masafumi; Hirata, Koichi; Inui, Kazuo; Sumiyama, Yoshinobu; Yamamoto, Masakazu

2018-01-01

We propose a new flowchart for the treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC) in the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18). Grade III AC was not indicated for straightforward laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C). Following analysis of subsequent clinical investigations and drawing on Big Data in particular, TG18 proposes that some Grade III AC can be treated by Lap-C when performed at advanced centers with specialized surgeons experienced in this procedure and for patients that satisfy certain strict criteria. For Grade I, TG18 recommends early Lap-C if the patients meet the criteria of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) ≤5 and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA-PS) ≤2. For Grade II AC, if patients meet the criteria of CCI ≤5 and ASA-PS ≤2, TG18 recommends early Lap-C performed by experienced surgeons; and if not, after medical treatment and/or gallbladder drainage, Lap-C would be indicated. TG18 proposes that Lap-C is indicated in Grade III patients with strict criteria. These are that the patients have favorable organ system failure, and negative predictive factors, who meet the criteria of CCI ≤3 and ASA-PS ≤2 and who are being treated at an advanced center (where experienced surgeons practice). If the patient is not considered suitable for early surgery, TG18 recommends early/urgent biliary drainage followed by delayed Lap-C once the patient's overall condition has improved. Free full articles and mobile app of TG18 are available at: http://www.jshbps.jp/modules/en/index.php?content_id=47. Related clinical questions and references are also included. © 2017 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.

Pulmonary venous flow determinants of left atrial pressure under different loading conditions in a chronic animal model with mitral regurgitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Hua; Jones, Michael; Shiota, Takahiro; Qin, Jian Xin; Kim, Yong Jin; Popovic, Zoran B.; Pu, Min; Greenberg, Neil L.; Cardon, Lisa A.; Eto, Yoko;

Defect features, texture and mechanical properties of friction stir welded lap joints of 2A97 Al-Li alloy thin sheets

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

Chen, Haiyan

1.4 mm 2A97 Al-Li alloy thin sheets were welded by friction stir lap welding using the stirring tools with different pin length at different rotational speeds. The influence of pin length and rotational speed on the defect features and mechanical properties of lap joints were investigated in detail. Microstructure observation shows that the hook defect geometry and size mainly varies with the pin length instead of the rotational speed. The size of hook defects on both the advancing side (AS) and the retreating side (RS) increased with increasing the pin length, leading to the effective sheet thickness decreased accordingly. Electronmore » backscatter diffraction analysis reveals that the weld zones, especially the nugget zone (NZ), have the much lower texture intensity than the base metal. Some new texture components are formed in the thermo-mechanical affected zone (TMAZ) and the NZ of joint. Lap shear test results show that the failure load of joints generally decreases with increasing the pin length and the rotational speed. The joints failed during the lap shear tests at three locations: the lap interface, the RS of the top sheet and the AS of the bottom sheet. The fracture locations are mainly determined by the hook defects. - Highlights: • Hook defect size mainly varies with the pin length of stirring tool. • The proportion of LAGBs and substructured grains increases from NZ to TMAZ. • Weld zones, especially the NZ, have the much lower texture intensity than the BM. • Lap shear failure load and fracture location of joints is relative to the hook defects.« less

The effect of furosemide on left atrial pressure in dogs with mitral valve regurgitation.

PubMed

Suzuki, S; Ishikawa, T; Hamabe, L; Aytemiz, D; Huai-Che, H; Fukushima, R; Machida, N; Tanaka, R

2011-01-01

The effects of furosemide on left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) have not been documented in a quantitative manner and between different routes of administration. To document LAP and echocardiographic parameters in MR dogs administered furosemide IV or PO, in order to document changes in LAP after furosemide treatment. Five healthy Beagle dogs (3 males and 2 females; aged 2 years) were used. Experimental, cross-over, and interventional study. LAP was measured before the administration of furosemide, and 30 minutes, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after administration. Furosemide 1, 2, or 4 mg/kg IV, PO or placebo was administered. LAP was significantly decreased with all administrations of furosemide but not after placebo (P < .05, respectively). The max reduction was observed 1 hour (1 mg/kg IV, 15.04 ± 7.02 mmHg), 3 hours (2, 4 mg/kg IV, 13.28 ± 8.01, 9.23 ± 4.92 mmHg), 4 hours (1 mg/kg PO, 14.68 ± 11.51 mmHg), and 5 hours (2, 4 mg/kg PO, 13.19 ± 10.52, 10.70 ± 7.69 mmHg). E wave and E/Ea were significantly decreased corresponding to the reduction of LAP after administration of 2 and 4 mg/kg (P < .05, respectively). LAP was decreased in proportion to the dosage of furosemide, which did not significantly differ between IV and PO of the same dosages. E wave and E/Ea might be useful for the treatment evaluation of furosemide. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors of left atrial pressure in dogs with mitral valve regurgitation.

PubMed

Ishikawa, T; Tanaka, R; Suzuki, S; Miyaishi, Y; Akagi, H; Iino, Y; Fukushima, R; Yamane, Y

2010-01-01

Despite many epidemiological reports concerning the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR), the hemodynamic effects of ACE inhibitor administration have not been fully evaluated. To document left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with MR administered ACE inhibitors, in order to obtain interesting information about daily LAP changes with administration of ACE inhibitors. Five healthy Beagle dogs weighing 9.8 to 14.2 kg (2 males and 3 females; aged 2 years). Experimental, crossover, and interventional study. Chordae tendineae rupture was induced, and a radiotelemetry transmitter catheter was inserted into the left atrium. LAP was recorded for 72 consecutive hours during which each of 3 ACE inhibitors--nalapril (0.5 mg/kg/d), temocapril (0.1 mg/kg/d), and alacepril (3.0 mg/kg/d)--were administered in a crossover study. Averaged diurnal LAP was significantly, but slightly reduced by alacepril (P = .03, 19.03 +/- 3.01-18.24 +/- 3.07 mmHg). The nightly drops in LAP caused by alacepril and enalapril were significantly higher than the daily drops (P = .03, -0.98 +/- 0.19 to -0.07 +/- 0.25 mmHg, and P = .03, -0.54 +/- 0.21-0.02 +/- 0.17 mmHg, respectively), despite the fact that the oral administrations were given in the morning. Systolic blood pressure (122.7 +/- 14.4-117.4 +/- 13.1 mmHg, P = .04) and systemic vascular resistance (5800 +/- 2685-5144 +/- 2077 dyne x s/cm5, P = .03) were decreased by ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors decrease LAP minimally, despite reductions in left ventricular afterload. ACE inhibitors should not be used to decrease LAP.

Remote-sensing image encryption in hybrid domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoqiang; Zhu, Guiliang; Ma, Shilong

2012-04-01

Remote-sensing technology plays an important role in military and industrial fields. Remote-sensing image is the main means of acquiring information from satellites, which always contain some confidential information. To securely transmit and store remote-sensing images, we propose a new image encryption algorithm in hybrid domains. This algorithm makes full use of the advantages of image encryption in both spatial domain and transform domain. First, the low-pass subband coefficients of image DWT (discrete wavelet transform) decomposition are sorted by a PWLCM system in transform domain. Second, the image after IDWT (inverse discrete wavelet transform) reconstruction is diffused with 2D (two-dimensional) Logistic map and XOR operation in spatial domain. The experiment results and algorithm analyses show that the new algorithm possesses a large key space and can resist brute-force, statistical and differential attacks. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm has the desirable encryption efficiency to satisfy requirements in practice.

Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors using ZnO Nanorods as the Sensor Substrate for Bioanalytical Applications.

PubMed

Tu, Ying; Ahmad, Norlaily; Briscoe, Joe; Zhang, De-Wen; Krause, Steffi

2018-06-22

Light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) are of great interest in bioimaging applications such as the monitoring of concentrations in microfluidic channels or the investigation of metabolic and signaling events in living cells. By measuring the photocurrents at electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) and electrolyte-semiconductor structures, LAPS can produce spatiotemporal images of chemical or biological analytes, electrical potentials and impedance. However, its commercial applications are often restricted by their limited AC photocurrents and resolution of LAPS images. Herein, for the first time, the use of 1D semiconducting oxides in the form of ZnO nanorods for LAPS imaging is explored to solve this issue. A significantly increased AC photocurrent with enhanced image resolution has been achieved based on ZnO nanorods, with a photocurrent of 45.7 ± 0.1 nA at a light intensity of 0.05 mW, a lateral resolution as low as 3.0 μm as demonstrated by images of a PMMA dot on ZnO nanorods and a pH sensitivity of 53 mV/pH. The suitability of the device for bioanalysis and bioimaging was demonstrated by monitoring the degradation of a thin poly(ester amide) film with the enzyme α-chymotrypsin using LAPS. This simple and robust route to fabricate LAPS substrates with excellent performance would provide tremendous opportunities for bioimaging.

Assessment of vitamin D status and serum CrossLaps levels in adults with primary lactose malabsorption.

PubMed

Enko, D; Kriegshäuser, G; Stolba, R; Mangge, H; Brandstetter, D; Mayr, N; Forstner, T; Halwachs-Baumann, G

2016-09-01

Primary adult-type lactose malabsorption (PALM) is a widespread inherited autosomal recessive condition, which is considered to be associated with osteoporosis. This prospective study aimed at assessing the 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) status and serum CrossLaps levels in individuals with PALM and normal controls. All participants (n=210) underwent genotyping for the LCT C/T-13910 polymorphism, 25(OH)D and CrossLaps measurements and clinical examinations. In addition, the anthropometric data (that is, height, weight and body mass index) were determined. Fifty-five individuals with PALM (that is, LCT C/C-13910 homozygotes) showed lower 25(OH)D (mean: 24.95±10.04 vs 28.59±9.56 ng/ml, P=0.018) and higher CrossLaps serum levels (mean: 0.46±0.31 vs 0.43±0.49 ng/ml, P=0.251) compared with 155 normal controls (that is, LCT C/T-13910 hetero- or T/T-13910 homozygotes). Anthropometric data were similar between PALM probands and controls. Individuals with PALM were found to have lower 25(OH)D and higher CrossLaps serum levels compared with normal controls. In order to preserve life-long bone health, routine 25(OH)D and CrossLaps serum measurements should be performed in individuals with PALM.

Large-scale Advanced Prop-fan (LAP) high speed wind tunnel test report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, William A.; Wainauski, Harold S.; Arseneaux, Peter J.

1988-01-01

High Speed Wind Tunnel testing of the SR-7L Large Scale Advanced Prop-Fan (LAP) is reported. The LAP is a 2.74 meter (9.0 ft) diameter, 8-bladed tractor type rated for 4475 KW (6000 SHP) at 1698 rpm. It was designated and built by Hamilton Standard under contract to the NASA Lewis Research Center. The LAP employs thin swept blades to provide efficient propulsion at flight speeds up to Mach .85. Testing was conducted in the ONERA S1-MA Atmospheric Wind Tunnel in Modane, France. The test objectives were to confirm that the LAP is free from high speed classical flutter, determine the structural and aerodynamic response to angular inflow, measure blade surface pressures (static and dynamic) and evaluate the aerodynamic performance at various blade angles, rotational speeds and Mach numbers. The measured structural and aerodynamic performance of the LAP correlated well with analytical predictions thereby providing confidence in the computer prediction codes used for the design. There were no signs of classical flutter throughout all phases of the test up to and including the 0.84 maximum Mach number achieved. Steady and unsteady blade surface pressures were successfully measured for a wide range of Mach numbers, inflow angles, rotational speeds and blade angles. No barriers were discovered that would prevent proceeding with the PTA (Prop-Fan Test Assessment) Flight Test Program scheduled for early 1987.

Laparoscopic virtual reality simulator and box trainer in gynecology.

PubMed

Akdemir, Ali; Sendağ, Fatih; Oztekin, Mehmet K

2014-05-01

To investigate whether a virtual reality simulator (LapSim) and traditional box trainer are effective tools for the acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills, and whether the LapSim is superior to the box trainer in surgical education. In a study at Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey, between September 2008 and March 2013, 40 first- and second-year residents were randomized to train via the LapSim or box trainer for 4 weeks, and 20 senior residents were allocated to a control group. All 3 groups performed laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation. Video records of each operation were assessed via the general rating scale of the Objective Structured Assessment of Laparoscopic Salpingectomy and by operation time in seconds. Compared with the control group, the LapSim and box trainer groups performed significantly better in total score (P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively) and time (P=0.03 and P=0.01, respectively). There were no differences between the LapSim and box trainer groups. Novice residents who trained on a LapSim or box trainer performed better live laparoscopies than residents who trained via standard clinical surgical education. Training with a virtual reality simulator or box trainer should be considered before actual laparoscopic procedures are carried out. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Leucine aminopeptidase blood test

MedlinePlus

Serum leucine aminopeptidase; LAP - serum ... Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) - blood. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier ...

Design, fabrication and test of graphite/polyimide composite joints and attachments for advanced aerospace vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barclay, D. L.

1980-01-01

Results of an experimental program to develop several types of graphite/polyimide (GR/PI) bonded and bolted joints for lightly loaded flight components for advanced space transportation systems and high speed aircraft are presented. Tasks accomplished include: a literature survey; design of static discriminator specimens; design allowables testing; fabrication of test panels and specimens; small specimen testing; and standard joint testing. Detail designs of static discriminator specimens for each of the four major attachment types are presented. Test results are given for the following: (1) transverse tension of Celion 3000/PMR-15 laminate; (2) net tension of a laminate for both a loaded and unloaded bolt hole; (3) comparative testing of bonded and co-cured doublers along with pull-off tests of single and double bonded angles; (4) single lap shear tests, transverse tension and coefficient of thermal expansion tests of A7F (LARC-13 amide-imide modified) adhesive; and (5) tension tests of standard single lap, double lap, and symmetric step lap bonded joints. Also, included are results of a finite element analysis of a single lap bonded composite joint.

Laparoscopic jejunostomy for obstructing upper gastrointestinal malignancies

PubMed Central

TSUJIMOTO, HIRONORI; HIRAKI, SHUICHI; TAKAHATA, RISA; NOMURA, SHINSUKE; ITO, NOZOMI; KANEMATSU, KYOHEI; HORIGUCHI, HIROYUKI; AOSASA, SUEFUMI; YAMAMOTO, JUNJI; HASE, KAZUO

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic jejunostomy (Lap-J) technique for obstruction due to upper gastrointestinal malignancies and evaluate the nutritional benefit of Lap-J during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in cases with obstructing esophageal cancer. Under general anesthesia, the jejunum 20–30 cm distant from the Treitz ligament was pulled out through an extended umbilical laparoscopic incision and a jejunal tube was inserted to 30 cm. The loop of bowel was gently returned to the abdomen and the feeding tube was drawn through the abdominal wall via the left lower incision. The jejunum was then laparoscopically sutured to the anterior abdominal wall. Lap-J was performed in 26 cases. The median operative time was 82 min. The postoperative course was uneventful. Lap-J prior to NAC was not associated with a decrease in body weight or serum total protein during NAC, compared with patients who received NAC without Lap-J. This minimally invasive jejunostomy technique may be particularly useful in patients in whom endoscopic therapy is not feasible due to obstruction from upper gastrointestinal malignancies. PMID:26807238

Study on active lap tool influence function in grinding 1.8 m primary mirror.

PubMed

Haitao, Liu; Zhige, Zeng; Fan, Wu; Bin, Fan; Yongjian, Wan

2013-11-01

We present a theoretical modeling method to predict the ring tool influence function (TIF) based on the computer-controlled active lap process. The gap on the lap-grinding layer is considered, and its influence on the ring TIF is analyzed too. The relationship between the shape of the ring TIF and the lap-workpiece rotation speed ratio is discussed in this paper. The recipe for calculating dwell time for axisymmetric fabrication is discussed. The grinding process of a 1.8 m primary mirror is improved based on these results. The grinding process is accomplished after 30 circles of grinding, and the surface shape error is from PV 82 μm RMS 16.4 μm reduced to PV 13.5 μm RMS 2.5 μm.

Review on failure prediction techniques of composite single lap joint

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

Ab Ghani, A.F., E-mail: ahmadfuad@utem.edu.my; Rivai, Ahmad, E-mail: ahmadrivai@utem.edu.my

2016-03-29

Adhesive bonding is the most appropriate joining method in construction of composite structures. The use of reliable design and prediction technique will produce better performance of bonded joints. Several papers from recent papers and journals have been reviewed and synthesized to understand the current state of the art in this area. It is done by studying the most relevant analytical solutions for composite adherends with start of reviewing the most fundamental ones involving beam/plate theory. It is then extended to review single lap joint non linearity and failure prediction and finally on the failure prediction on composite single lap joint.more » The review also encompasses the finite element modelling part as tool to predict the elastic response of composite single lap joint and failure prediction numerically.« less

On the water lapping of felines and the water running of lizards

PubMed Central

Aristoff, Jeffrey M; Stocker, Roman; Reis, Pedro M

2011-01-01

We consider two biological phenomena taking place at the air-water interface: the water lapping of felines and the water running of lizards. Although seemingly disparate motions, we show that they are intimately linked by their underlying hydrodynamics and belong to a broader class of processes called Froude mechanisms. We describe how both felines and lizards exploit inertia to defeat gravity, and discuss water lapping and water running in the broader context of water exit and water entry, respectively. PMID:21655444

Fracture surface analysis in composite and titanium bonding: Part 1: Titanium bonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanderson, K. A.; Wightman, J. P.

1985-01-01

Fractured lap shear Ti 6-4 adherends bonded with polyphenyquinoxaline (PPQ) and polysulfone were analyzed. The effects of adherend pretreatment, stress level, thermal aging, anodizing voltage, and modified adhesive of Ti 6-4 adherend bonded with PPQ on lap shear strength were studied. The effect of adherend pretreatment on lap shear strength was investigated for PS samples. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) used to study the surface topography and surface composition are also discussed.

Habit modification of potassium acid phthalate (KAP) single crystals by impurities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murugakoothan, P.; Mohan Kumar, R.; Ushasree, P. M.; Jayavel, R.; Dhanasekaran, R.; Ramasamy, P.

1999-12-01

Nonlinear optical materials potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), urea and L-arginine phosphate (LAP)-doped KAP crystals were grown by the slow cooling method. The LAP-doped crystals show pronounced habit modification compared to KDP and urea doping. The effect of these impurities on growth kinetics, surface morphology, habit modification, structure, optical and mechanical properties have been studied. Among the three impurities, urea doping yields high mechanical stability and optical transmission and for KDP and LAP doping there is a decrease in optical transmission.

A new and specific non-NMDA receptor antagonist, FG 9065, blocks L-AP4-evoked depolarization in rat cerebral cortex.

PubMed

Sheardown, M J

1988-04-13

L(+)-AP4 (2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate) depolarized slices of rat cerebral cortex, when applied following a 2 min priming application of quisqualate. This response diminishes with time and is not seen after NMDA application. A new selective non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitro-2,3-dihydroxyquinoxaline (FG 9065), inhibits the L(+)-AP4 depolarization. It is argued that the response is mediated indirectly by postsynaptic quisqualate receptors.

Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) with Raman Imaging Applied to Lunar Meteorites.

PubMed

Smith, Joseph P; Smith, Frank C; Booksh, Karl S

2018-03-01

Lunar meteorites provide a more random sampling of the surface of the Moon than do the returned lunar samples, and they provide valuable information to help estimate the chemical composition of the lunar crust, the lunar mantle, and the bulk Moon. As of July 2014, ∼96 lunar meteorites had been documented and ten of these are unbrecciated mare basalts. Using Raman imaging with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), we investigated portions of polished thin sections of paired, unbrecciated, mare-basalt lunar meteorites that had been collected from the LaPaz Icefield (LAP) of Antarctica-LAP 02205 and LAP 04841. Polarized light microscopy displays that both meteorites are heterogeneous and consist of polydispersed sized and shaped particles of varying chemical composition. For two distinct probed areas within each meteorite, the individual chemical species and associated chemical maps were elucidated using MCR-ALS applied to Raman hyperspectral images. For LAP 02205, spatially and spectrally resolved clinopyroxene, ilmenite, substrate-adhesive epoxy, and diamond polish were observed within the probed areas. Similarly, for LAP 04841, spatially resolved chemical images with corresponding resolved Raman spectra of clinopyroxene, troilite, a high-temperature polymorph of anorthite, substrate-adhesive epoxy, and diamond polish were generated. In both LAP 02205 and LAP 04841, substrate-adhesive epoxy and diamond polish were more readily observed within fractures/veinlet features. Spectrally diverse clinopyroxenes were resolved in LAP 04841. Factors that allow these resolved clinopyroxenes to be differentiated include crystal orientation, spatially distinct chemical zoning of pyroxene crystals, and/or chemical and molecular composition. The minerals identified using this analytical methodology-clinopyroxene, anorthite, ilmenite, and troilite-are consistent with the results of previous studies of the two meteorites using electron microprobe analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MCR-ALS with Raman imaging used for the investigation of both lunar and other types of meteorites. We have demonstrated the use of multivariate analysis methods, namely MCR-ALS, with Raman imaging to investigate heterogeneous lunar meteorites. Our analytical methodology can be used to elucidate the chemical, molecular, and structural characteristics of phases in a host of complex, heterogeneous geological, geochemical, and extraterrestrial materials.

Role of C/EBPβ-LAP and C/EBPβ-LIP in early adipogenic differentiation of human white adipose-derived progenitors and at later stages in immature adipocytes.

PubMed

Lechner, Stefan; Mitterberger, Maria C; Mattesich, Monika; Zwerschke, Werner

2013-01-01

We investigated the role of the major isoforms of CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), C/EBPβ-LAP and C/EBPβ-LIP, in adipogenesis of human white adipose-derived stromal/progenitor cells (ASC). C/EBPβ gene expression was transiently induced early in adipogenesis. At later stages, in immature adipocytes, the C/EBPβ mRNA and protein levels declined. The C/EBPβ-LIP protein steady-state level decreased considerably stronger than the C/EBPβ-LAP level and the C/EBPβ-LIP half-life was significantly shorter than the C/EBPβ-LAP half-life. The turn-over of both C/EBPβ-isoforms was regulated by ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent degradation. These data suggest that the protein stability of the C/EBPβ-isoforms is differentially regulated in the course of adipogenesis and in immature adipocytes. Constitutive overexpression of C/EBPβ-LIP had antiadipogenic activity in human ASC. C/EBPβ-LAP, which promotes adipogenesis in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by directly activating expression of the adipogenic keyregulator PPARγ2, induced the expression of PPARγ2 and of the adipocyte differentiation gene product FABP4 in confluent ASC in the absence of adipogenic hormones. At later stages after hormone cocktail-induced adipogenesis, in immature adipocytes, constitutive overexpression of C/EBPβ-LAP led to reduced expression of PPARγ2 and FABP4, C/EBPα expression was downregulated and the expression of the adipocyte differentiation gene products adiponectin and leptin was impaired. These findings suggest that constitutive overexpression of C/EBPβ-LAP induces adipogenesis in human ASC and negatively regulates the expression of adipogenic regulators and certain adipocyte differentiation gene products in immature adipocytes. We conclude the regulation of both C/EBPβ gene expression and C/EBPβ-LIP and C/EBPβ-LAP protein turn-over plays an important role for the expression of adipogenic regulators and/or adipocyte differentiation genes in early adipogenic differentiation of human ASC and at later stages in human immature adipocytes. Copyright © 2012 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Positive Correlation Between Motion Analysis Data on the LapMentor Virtual Reality Laparoscopic Surgical Simulator and the Results from Videotape Assessment of Real Laparoscopic Surgeries

PubMed Central

McDougall, Elspeth M.; Ono, Yoshinari; Hattori, Ryohei; Baba, Shiro; Iwamura, Masatsugu; Terachi, Toshiro; Naito, Seiji; Clayman, Ralph V.

2012-01-01

Abstract Purpose We studied the construct validity of the LapMentor, a virtual reality laparoscopic surgical simulator, and the correlation between the data collected on the LapMentor and the results of video assessment of real laparoscopic surgeries. Materials and Methods Ninety-two urologists were tested on basic skill tasks No. 3 (SK3) to No. 8 (SK8) on the LapMentor. They were divided into three groups: Group A (n=25) had no experience with laparoscopic surgeries as a chief surgeon; group B (n=33) had <35 experiences; and group C (n=34) had ≥35 experiences. Group scores on the accuracy, efficacy, and time of the tasks were compared. Forty physicians with ≥20 experiences supplied unedited videotapes showing a laparoscopic nephrectomy or an adrenalectomy in its entirety, and the videos were assessed in a blinded fashion by expert referees. Correlations between the videotape score (VS) and the performances on the LapMentor were analyzed. Results Group C showed significantly better outcomes than group A in the accuracy (SK5) (P=0.013), efficacy (SK8) (P=0.014), or speed (SKs 3 and 8) (P=0.009 and P=0.002, respectively) of the performances of LapMentor. Group B showed significantly better outcomes than group A in the speed and efficacy of the performances in SK8 (P=0.011 and P=0.029, respectively). Analyses of motion analysis data of LapMentor demonstrated that smooth and ideal movement of instruments is more important than speed of the movement of instruments to achieve accurate performances in each task. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the average score of the accuracy in SK4, 5, and 8 had significant positive correlation with VS (P=0.01). Conclusions This study demonstrated the construct and predictive validity of the LapMentor basic skill tasks, supporting their possible usefulness for the preclinical evaluation of laparoscopic skills. PMID:22642549

Pathologic Intimal Thickening Plaque Phenotype: Not as Innocent as Previously Thought. A Serial 3D Intravascular Ultrasound Virtual Histology Study.

PubMed

Kovarnik, Tomas; Chen, Zhi; Wahle, Andreas; Zhang, Ling; Skalicka, Hana; Kral, Ales; Lopez, John J; Horak, Jan; Sonka, Milan; Linhart, Ales

2017-01-01

Pathologic intimal thickening (PIT) has been considered a benign plaque phenotype. We report plaque phenotypic changes in a baseline/follow-up intravascular ultrasound-based virtual histology study. A total of 61 patients with stable coronary artery disease were analyzed from the HEAVEN trial (89 patients randomized between routine statin therapy vs atorvastatin 80mg and ezetimibe 10mg) with serial intravascular ultrasound imaging of nonculprit vessels. We compared changes in 693 baseline and follow-up 5-mm long segments in a novel risk score, Liverpool Active Plaque Score (LAPS), plaque parameters, and plaque composition. The PIT showed the highest increase of risk score and, with fibrous plaque, also the LAPS. Necrotic core (NC) abutting to the lumen increased in PIT (22 ± 51.7; P = .0001) and in fibrous plaque (17.9 ± 42.6; P = .004) but decreased in thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (⿿15.14 ± 52.2; P = .001). The PIT was the most likely of all nonthin cap fibroatheroma plaque types to transform into TCFA at follow-up (11% of all TCFA found during follow-up and 35.9% of newly-developed TCFA), but showed (together with fibrous plaque) the lowest stability during lipid-lowering therapy (24.7% of PIT remained PIT and 24.5% of fibrous plaque remained fibrous plaque). Over the 1-year follow-up, PIT was the most dynamic of the plaque phenotypes and was associated with an increase of risk score and LAPS (together with fibrous plaque), NC percentage (together with fibrous plaque) and NC abutting to the lumen, despite a small reduction of plaque volume during lipid-lowering therapy. The PIT was the main source for new TCFA segments. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Numerical modelling in friction lap joining of aluminium alloy and carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, A.; Bang, H. S.; Bang, H. S.

2018-05-01

Multi-material combinations of aluminium alloy and carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastics (CFRP) have gained attention in automotive and aerospace industries to enhance fuel efficiency and strength-to-weight ratio of components. Various limitations of laser beam welding, adhesive bonding and mechanical fasteners make these processes inefficient to join metal and CFRP sheets. Friction lap joining is an alternative choice for the same. Comprehensive studies in friction lap joining of aluminium to CFRP sheets are essential and scare in the literature. The present work reports a combined theoretical and experimental study in joining of AA5052 and CFRP sheets using friction lap joining process. A three-dimensional finite element based heat transfer model is developed to compute the temperature fields and thermal cycles. The computed results are validated extensively with the corresponding experimentally measured results.

Simultaneous Pure Laparoscopic Resection of Primary Colorectal Cancer and Synchronous Liver Metastases: A Single Institution Experience with Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

PubMed

Ivanecz, Arpad; Krebs, Bojan; Stozer, Andraz; Jagric, Tomaz; Plahuta, Irena; Potrc, Stojan

2018-03-01

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of pure laparoscopic and open simultaneous resection of both the primary colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCLM). From 2000 to 2016 all patients treated by simultaneous resection were assessed for entry in this single center, clinically nonrandomized trial. A propensity score matching was used to compare the laparoscopic group (LAP) to open surgery group (OPEN). Primary endpoints were perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Of the 82 patients identified who underwent simultaneous liver resection for SCLM, 10 patients underwent LAP. All these consecutive patients from LAP were matched to 10 comparable OPEN. LAP reduced the length of hospital stay (P = 0.044) and solid food oral intake was faster (P = 0.006) in this group. No patient undergoing the laparoscopic procedure experienced conversion to the open technique. No difference was observed in operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, narcotics requirement, clinical risk score, resection margin, R0 resections rate, morbidity, mortality and incisional hernias rate. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of the 3-year OS rate (90 vs. 75%; P = 0.842) and DFS rate (60 vs. 57%; P = 0.724). LAP reduced the length of hospital stay and offers faster solid food oral intake. Comparable oncologic and survival outcomes can be achieved. LAP is beneficial for well selected patients in high volume centers with appropriate expertise.

Material removal and surface figure during pad polishing of fused silica

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

Suratwala, T I; Feit, M D; Steele, W A

2009-05-04

The material removal and surface figure after ceria pad polishing of fused silica glass have been measured and analyzed as a function of kinematics, loading conditions, and polishing time. Also, the friction at the workpiece/lap interface, the slope of the workpiece relative to the lap plane, and lap viscoelastic properties have been measured and correlated to material removal. The results show that the relative velocity between the workpiece & lap (determined by the kinematics) and the pressure distribution determine the spatial and temporal material removal and hence the final surface figure of the workpiece. In the case where the appliedmore » loading and relative velocity distribution over the workpiece are spatially uniform, a significant non-uniform spatial material removal from the workpiece surface is observed. This is due to a non-uniform pressure distribution resulting from: (1) a moment caused by a pivot point and interface friction forces; (2) viscoelastic relaxation of the polyurethane lap; and (3) a physical workpiece/lap interface mismatch. Both the kinematics and these contributions to the pressure distribution are quantitatively described, and then combined to form a spatial and temporal Preston model & code for material removal (called Surface Figure or SurF{copyright}). The surface figure simulations are consistent with the experiment for a wide variety of polishing conditions. This study is an important step towards deterministic full-aperture polishing, which would allow optical glass fabrication to be performed in a more repeatable, less iterative, and hence more economical manner.« less

A newly developed oval-shaped port device (E•Z ACCESS Oval type) for use in reduced port surgery: initial clinical experiences with cholecystectomy.

PubMed

Shibao, Kazunori; Takagi, Tsuyoshi; Higure, Aiichiro; Yamaguchi, Koji

2013-09-01

We recently developed an oval-shaped E•Z Access device designed exclusively for use with the LAP PROTECTOR™ Oval type device (Hakko Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The transverse abdominal opening diameter made by round-shaped (Alexis® Wound Retractor, Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; and LAP PROTECTOR™ Round type) and oval-shaped (LAP PROTECTOR™ Oval type) wound retractors was measured and compared in 5 patients with cholecystolithiasis. Each device was placed through a single 25-mm longitudinal umbilical incision, and the length of trocar separation was compared. LESS cholecystectomy was then performed using the oval-shaped E•Z ACCESS/LAP PROTECTOR™. The transverse abdominal opening diameter was maximized with the LAP PROTECTOR™ Oval type device. The average distance between the working-ports for the glove method, round-shaped, and oval-shaped E•Z ACCESS/LAP PROTECTOR™ devices in the 25-mm umbilical incisions were 20 ± 0.8 mm, 24 ± 1.5 mm, and 35 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Wider trocar separation was achieved using the oval-shaped device, making the surgical procedures easier to perform. No perioperative port-related or surgical complications were observed. LESS cholecystectomy using the E•Z ACCESS Oval type device was found to be technically feasible. The Oval type device appears to allow for wider trocar separation, thereby reducing stress on the surgeon, ensuring patient safety, and providing cosmetic benefits.

A time-domain digitally controlled oscillator composed of a free running ring oscillator and flying-adder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Liu; Wei, Li; Peng, Ren; Qinglong, Lin; Shengdong, Zhang; Yangyuan, Wang

2009-09-01

A time-domain digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) is proposed. The DCO is composed of a free-running ring oscillator (FRO) and a two lap-selectors integrated flying-adder (FA). With a coiled cell array which allows uniform loading capacitances of the delay cells, the FRO produces 32 outputs with consistent tap spacing for the FA as reference clocks. The FA uses the outputs from the FRO to generate the output of the DCO according to the control number, resulting in a linear dependence of the output period, instead of the frequency on the digital controlling word input. Thus the proposed DCO ensures a good conversion linearity in a time-domain, and is suitable for time-domain all-digital phase locked loop applications. The DCO was implemented in a standard 0.13 μm digital logic CMOS process. The measurement results show that the DCO has a linear and monotonic tuning curve with gain variation of less than 10%, and a very low root mean square period jitter of 9.3 ps in the output clocks. The DCO works well at supply voltages ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 V, and consumes 4 mW of power with 500 MHz frequency output at 1.2 V supply voltage.

WW domain-mediated interaction with Wbp2 is important for the oncogenic property of TAZ

PubMed Central

Chan, S W; Lim, C J; Huang, C; Chong, Y F; Gunaratne, H J; Hogue, K A; Blackstock, W P; Harvey, K F; Hong, W

2011-01-01

The transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ are downstream targets inhibited by the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. YAP and TAZ both possess WW domains, which are important protein–protein interaction modules that mediate interaction with proline-rich motifs, most commonly PPXY. The WW domains of YAP have complex regulatory roles as exemplified by recent reports showing that they can positively or negatively influence YAP activity in a cell and context-specific manner. In this study, we show that the WW domain of TAZ is important for it to transform both MCF10A and NIH3T3 cells and to activate transcription of ITGB2 but not CTGF, as introducing point mutations into the WW domain of TAZ (WWm) abolished its transforming and transcription-promoting ability. Using a proteomic approach, we discovered potential regulatory proteins that interact with TAZ WW domain and identified Wbp2. The interaction of Wbp2 with TAZ is dependent on the WW domain of TAZ and the PPXY-containing C-terminal region of Wbp2. Knockdown of endogenous Wbp2 suppresses, whereas overexpression of Wbp2 enhances, TAZ-driven transformation. Forced interaction of WWm with Wbp2 by direct C-terminal fusion of full-length Wbp2 or its TAZ-interacting C-terminal domain restored the transforming and transcription-promoting ability of TAZ. These results suggest that the WW domain-mediated interaction with Wbp2 promotes the transforming ability of TAZ. PMID:20972459

System Transformation in Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH): Variable Impact on Chronically Ill Patients' Utilization.

PubMed

Carlin, Caroline S; Flottemesch, Thomas J; Solberg, Leif I; Werner, Ann M

2016-01-01

Research connecting patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) with improved quality and reduced utilization is inconsistent, possibly because individual domains of change, and the stage of change, are not incorporated in the research design. The objective of this study was to examine the association between stage and domain of change and patterns of health care utilization. This was a cross-sectional observational study that including 87 Minnesota clinics certified as medical homes. Patients included those receiving management for diabetes or cardiovascular disease with insurance coverage by payers participating in the study. PCMH transformation stage was defined by practice systems in place, with measurements summarized in 5 domains. Health care utilization was measured by total utilization, frequency of outpatient visits and prescriptions, and occurrence of inpatient and emergency department visits. PCMH transformation was associated with few changes in utilization, but there were important differences by the underlying domains of change. We demonstrate meaningful differences in the impact of PCMH transformation by diagnosis cohort and comorbidity status of the patient. Because the association of health care utilization with PCMH transformation varied by transformation domain and patient diagnosis, practice leaders need to be supported by research incorporating detailed measures of PCMH transformation. © Copyright 2016 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Wavelet transformation to determine impedance spectra of lithium-ion rechargeable battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoshi, Yoshinao; Yakabe, Natsuki; Isobe, Koichiro; Saito, Toshiki; Shitanda, Isao; Itagaki, Masayuki

2016-05-01

A new analytical method is proposed to determine the electrochemical impedance of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (LIRB) from time domain data by wavelet transformation (WT). The WT is a waveform analysis method that can transform data in the time domain to the frequency domain while retaining time information. In this transformation, the frequency domain data are obtained by the convolution integral of a mother wavelet and original time domain data. A complex Morlet mother wavelet (CMMW) is used to obtain the complex number data in the frequency domain. The CMMW is expressed by combining a Gaussian function and sinusoidal term. The theory to select a set of suitable conditions for variables and constants related to the CMMW, i.e., band, scale, and time parameters, is established by determining impedance spectra from wavelet coefficients using input voltage to the equivalent circuit and the output current. The impedance spectrum of LIRB determined by WT agrees well with that measured using a frequency response analyzer.

Pacing profiles of senior men and women at the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

PubMed

Hanley, Brian

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study was to analyse and compare pacing profiles of senior men and women competing in the 2017 World Cross Country Championships. Finishing and split times were collated for 118 men and 81 women competing over the newly introduced race distance of 10 km (five laps of approximately 2 km). Athletes were grouped according to finishing time, and changes in pace measured using lap times, except between Laps 1 and 2 because of a shorter first lap (times relative to the winner were used instead). Within both men's and women's races, groups slowed during the early stages, but then either sped up or maintained pace during the last lap. There were few differences between groups with regard to overall pacing profiles, or between sexes. The men's fast finish contrasted with slower finishes found in previous editions (over 12 km), and the degree to which women were slower than men (approximately 12%) was very similar to track racing and showed the decision to equalise the distances run by both sexes was sound. As in other distance events, athletes are recommended to try to achieve an even pace throughout, an approach that proved beneficial to both gold medallists.

The Fundamental Reasons Why Laptop Computers should not be Used on Your Lap.

PubMed

Mortazavi, S A R; Taeb, S; Mortazavi, S M J; Zarei, S; Haghani, M; Habibzadeh, P; Shojaei-Fard, M B

2016-12-01

As a tendency to use new technologies, gadgets such as laptop computers are becoming more popular among students, teachers, businessmen and office workers. Today laptops are a great tool for education and learning, work and personal multimedia. Millions of men, especially those in the reproductive age, are frequently using their laptop computers on the lap (thigh). Over the past several years, our lab has focused on the health effects of exposure to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as cellular phones, mobile base stations, mobile phone jammers, laptop computers, radars, dentistry cavitrons and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Our own studies as well as the studies performed by other researchers indicate that using laptop computers on the lap adversely affects the male reproductive health. When it is placed on the lap, not only the heat from a laptop computer can warm men's scrotums, the electromagnetic fields generated by laptop's internal electronic circuits as well as the Wi-Fi Radiofrequency radiation hazards (in a Wi-Fi connected laptop) may decrease sperm quality. Furthermore, due to poor working posture, laptops should not be used on the lap for long hours.

Calcium sequestration by fungal melanin inhibits calcium-calmodulin signalling to prevent LC3-associated phagocytosis.

PubMed

Kyrmizi, Irene; Ferreira, Helena; Carvalho, Agostinho; Figueroa, Julio Alberto Landero; Zarmpas, Pavlos; Cunha, Cristina; Akoumianaki, Tonia; Stylianou, Kostas; Deepe, George S; Samonis, George; Lacerda, João F; Campos, António; Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P; Mihalopoulos, Nikolaos; Kwon-Chung, Kyung J; El-Benna, Jamel; Valsecchi, Isabel; Beauvais, Anne; Brakhage, Axel A; Neves, Nuno M; Latge, Jean-Paul; Chamilos, Georgios

2018-05-30

LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) is a non-canonical autophagy pathway regulated by Rubicon, with an emerging role in immune homeostasis and antifungal host defence. Aspergillus cell wall melanin protects conidia (spores) from killing by phagocytes and promotes pathogenicity through blocking nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-dependent activation of LAP. However, the signalling regulating LAP upstream of Rubicon and the mechanism of melanin-induced inhibition of this pathway remain incompletely understood. Herein, we identify a Ca 2+ signalling pathway that depends on intracellular Ca 2+ sources from endoplasmic reticulum, endoplasmic reticulum-phagosome communication, Ca 2+ release from phagosome lumen and calmodulin (CaM) recruitment, as a master regulator of Rubicon, the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2 and other molecular components of LAP. Furthermore, we provide genetic evidence for the physiological importance of Ca 2+ -CaM signalling in aspergillosis. Finally, we demonstrate that Ca 2+ sequestration by Aspergillus melanin inside the phagosome abrogates activation of Ca 2+ -CaM signalling to inhibit LAP. These findings reveal the important role of Ca 2+ -CaM signalling in antifungal immunity and identify an immunological function of Ca 2+ binding by melanin pigments with broad physiological implications beyond fungal disease pathogenesis.

Dual-band infrared imaging for quantitative corrosion detection in aging aircraft

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

Del Grande, N.K.

1993-12-31

Aircraft skin thickness-loss from corrosion has been measured using dual-band infrared (DBIR) imaging on a flash-heated Boeing 737 fuselage structure. The authors mapped surface temperature differences of 0.2 to 0.6 C for 5 to 14 % thickness losses within corroded lap splices at 0.4 seconds after the heat flash. The procedure mapped surface temperature differences at sites without surface-emissivity clutter (from dirt, dents, tape, markings, ink, sealants, uneven paint, paint stripper, exposed metal and roughness variations). They established the correlation of percent thickness loss with surface temperature rise using a partially corroded F-18 wing box and several aluminum panels whichmore » had thickness losses from milled flat-bottom holes. The authors mapped the lap splice composite thermal inertia, (k{rho}c){sup 1/2}, which characterized shallow skin defects within the lap splice at early times (<0.3 s) and deeper skin defects within the lap splice at late times (>0.4 s). Corrosion invaded the inside of the Boeing 737 lap splice, beneath the galley and the latrine, where they observed ``pillowing`` from volume build-up of corrosion by-products.« less

Dual-band infrared imaging for quantitative corrosion detection in aging aircraft

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

Del Grande, N.K.

1993-11-01

Aircraft skin thickness-loss from corrosion has been measured using dual-band infrared (DBIR) imaging on a flash-heated Boeing 737 fuselage structure. We mapped surface temperature differences of 0.2 to 0.6 {degrees}C for 5 to 14% thickness losses within corroded lap splices at 0.4 seconds after the heat flash. Our procedure mapped surface temperature differences at sites without surface-emissivity clutter (from dirt, dents, tape, markings, ink, sealants, uneven paint, paint stripper, exposed metal and roughness variations). We established the correlation of percent thickness loss with surface temperature rise using a partially corroded F-18 wing box and several aluminum panels which had thicknessmore » losses from milled flat-bottom holes. We mapped the lap splice composite thermal inertia, (kpc){sup {1/2}}, which characterized shallow skin defects within the lap splice at early times (<0.3 s) and deeper skin defects within the lap splice at late times (>0.4 s). Corrosion invaded the inside of the Boeing 737 lap splice, beneath the galley and the latrine, where we observed ``pillowing`` from volume build-up of corrosion by-products.« less

The Fundamental Reasons Why Laptop Computers should not be Used on Your Lap

PubMed Central

Mortazavi, S.A.R.; Taeb, S.; Mortazavi, S.M.J.; Zarei, S.; Haghani, M.; Habibzadeh, P.; Shojaei-fard, M.B.

2016-01-01

As a tendency to use new technologies, gadgets such as laptop computers are becoming more popular among students, teachers, businessmen and office workers. Today laptops are a great tool for education and learning, work and personal multimedia. Millions of men, especially those in the reproductive age, are frequently using their laptop computers on the lap (thigh). Over the past several years, our lab has focused on the health effects of exposure to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as cellular phones, mobile base stations, mobile phone jammers, laptop computers, radars, dentistry cavitrons and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Our own studies as well as the studies performed by other researchers indicate that using laptop computers on the lap adversely affects the male reproductive health. When it is placed on the lap, not only the heat from a laptop computer can warm men’s scrotums, the electromagnetic fields generated by laptop’s internal electronic circuits as well as the Wi-Fi Radiofrequency radiation hazards (in a Wi-Fi connected laptop) may decrease sperm quality. Furthermore, due to poor working posture, laptops should not be used on the lap for long hours. PMID:28144597

Tectonic interpretation of the Andrew Bain transform fault: Southwest Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sclater, John G.; Grindlay, Nancy R.; Madsen, John A.; Rommevaux-Jestin, Celine

2005-09-01

Between 25°E and 35°E, a suite of four transform faults, Du Toit, Andrew Bain, Marion, and Prince Edward, offsets the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) left laterally 1230 km. The Andrew Bain, the largest, has a length of 750 km and a maximum transform domain width of 120 km. We show that, currently, the Nubia/Somalia plate boundary intersects the SWIR east of the Prince Edward, placing the Andrew Bain on the Nubia/Antarctica plate boundary. However, the overall trend of its transform domain lies 10° clockwise of the predicted direction of motion for this boundary. We use four transform-parallel multibeam and magnetic anomaly profiles, together with relocated earthquakes and focal mechanism solutions, to characterize the morphology and tectonics of the Andrew Bain. Starting at the southwestern ridge-transform intersection, the relocated epicenters follow a 450-km-long, 20-km-wide, 6-km-deep western valley. They cross the transform domain within a series of deep overlapping basins bounded by steep inward dipping arcuate scarps. Eight strike-slip and three dip-slip focal mechanism solutions lie within these basins. The earthquakes can be traced to the northeastern ridge-transform intersection via a straight, 100-km-long, 10-km-wide, 4.5-km-deep eastern valley. A striking set of seismically inactive NE-SW trending en echelon ridges and valleys, lying to the south of the overlapping basins, dominates the eastern central section of the transform domain. We interpret the deep overlapping basins as two pull-apart features connected by a strike-slip basin that have created a relay zone similar to those observed on continental transforms. This transform relay zone connects three closely spaced overlapping transform faults in the southwest to a single transform fault in the northeast. The existence of the transform relay zone accounts for the difference between the observed and predicted trend of the Andrew Bain transform domain. We speculate that between 20 and 3.2 Ma, an oblique accretionary zone jumping successively northward created the en echelon ridges and valleys in the eastern central portion of the domain. The style of accretion changed to that of a transform relay zone, during a final northward jump, at 3.2 Ma.

Passive magnetic bearing for a motor-generator

DOEpatents

Post, Richard F [Walnut Creek, CA

2006-07-18

Conductive lap windings are interleaved with conventional loops in the stator of a motor-generator. The rotor provides magnetic induction lines that, when rotated, cut across the lap windings and the loops. When the rotor is laterally displaced from its equilibrium axis of rotation, its magnetic lines of induction induce a current in the interleaved lap windings. The induced current interacts with the magnetic lines of induction of the rotor in accordance with Lenz's law to generate a radial force that returns the rotor to its equilibrium axis of rotation.

Evolution of a Vietnamese Village-Part II: The Past, August 1945 to April 1964

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-04-01

Cong "Presence" in Due Lap 25 Viet Cong Approaches to Villagers 27 The Villagers ’ View of the War 30 V. THE HOA HAO COME TO DUC LAP 33 The...Indochina War when the Viet- namese fought the French for their independence. According to Ho Chi Minh, Vo Nguyen Giap, Truong Chinh , and other...the village but came from another part of Vietnam to take up the administrative duties in -20- Duc Lap. The fact that their village chief was not

Biennial Guidance Test Symposium (14th) held in Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico on 3-5 October 1989. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-30

assembled pair is tumble lapped. Tumble lapping is a process in which Mechanically, the 1.5-inch diameter rotors a a weighted lapping element and slurry of...parameter met AGTF requirements at that site. Weighting factors were than assigned to each parameter as an indication of importance of the parameter to...AGTF. The weighted score was determined by multiplying the score by the weighting factor. The weighted scores were then totaled for each site to

Nuclear lamina genetic variants, including a truncated LAP2, in twins and siblings with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Brady, Graham F; Kwan, Raymond; Ulintz, Peter J; Nguyen, Phirum; Bassirian, Shirin; Basrur, Venkatesha; Nesvizhskii, Alexey I; Loomba, Rohit; Omary, M Bishr

2018-05-01

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the major chronic liver disease in many countries. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, but twin and familial studies indicate significant heritability, which is not fully explained by currently known genetic susceptibility loci. Notably, mutations in genes encoding nuclear lamina proteins, including lamins, cause lipodystrophy syndromes that include NAFLD. We hypothesized that variants in lamina-associated proteins predispose to NAFLD and used a candidate gene-sequencing approach to test for variants in 10 nuclear lamina-related genes in a cohort of 37 twin and sibling pairs: 21 individuals with and 53 without NAFLD. Twelve heterozygous sequence variants were identified in four lamina-related genes (ZMPSTE24, TMPO, SREBF1, SREBF2). The majority of NAFLD patients (>90%) had at least one variant compared to <40% of controls (P < 0.0001). When only insertions/deletions and changes in conserved residues were considered, the difference between the groups was similarly striking (>80% versus <25%; P < 0.0001). Presence of a lamina variant segregated with NAFLD independently of the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism. Several variants were found in TMPO, which encodes the lamina-associated polypeptide-2 (LAP2) that has not been associated with liver disease. One of these, a frameshift insertion that generates truncated LAP2, abrogated lamin-LAP2 binding, caused LAP2 mislocalization, altered endogenous lamin distribution, increased lipid droplet accumulation after oleic acid treatment in transfected cells, and led to cytoplasmic association with the ubiquitin-binding protein p62/SQSTM1. Several variants in nuclear lamina-related genes were identified in a cohort of twins and siblings with NAFLD; one such variant, which results in a truncated LAP2 protein and a dramatic phenotype in cell culture, represents an association of TMPO/LAP2 variants with NAFLD and underscores the potential importance of the nuclear lamina in NAFLD. (Hepatology 2018;67:1710-1725). © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Face, content, and construct validity of a novel portable ergonomic simulator for basic laparoscopic skills.

PubMed

Xiao, Dongjuan; Jakimowicz, Jack J; Albayrak, Armagan; Buzink, Sonja N; Botden, Sanne M B I; Goossens, Richard H M

2014-01-01

Laparoscopic skills can be improved effectively through laparoscopic simulation. The purpose of this study was to verify the face and content validity of a new portable Ergonomic Laparoscopic Skills simulator (Ergo-Lap simulator) and assess the construct validity of the Ergo-Lap simulator in 4 basic skills tasks. Four tasks were evaluated: 2 different translocation exercises (a basic bimanual exercise and a challenging single-handed exercise), an exercise involving tissue manipulation under tension, and a needle-handling exercise. Task performance was analyzed according to speed and accuracy. The participants rated the usability and didactic value of each task and the Ergo-Lap simulator along a 5-point Likert scale. Institutional academic medical center with its affiliated general surgery residency. Forty-six participants were allotted into 2 groups: a Novice group (n = 26, <10 clinical laparoscopic procedures) and an Experienced group (n = 20, >50 clinical laparoscopic procedures). The Experienced group completed all tasks in less time than the Novice group did (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The Experienced group also completed tasks 1, 2, and 4 with fewer errors than the Novice group did (p < 0.05). Of the Novice participants, 96% considered that the present Ergo-Lap simulator could encourage more frequent practice of laparoscopic skills. In addition, 92% would like to purchase this simulator. All of the experienced participants confirmed that the Ergo-Lap simulator was easy to use and useful for practicing basic laparoscopic skills in an ergonomic manner. Most (95%) of these respondents would recommend this simulator to other surgical trainees. This Ergo-Lap simulator with multiple tasks was rated as a useful training tool that can distinguish between various levels of laparoscopic expertise. The Ergo-Lap simulator is also an inexpensive alternative, which surgical trainees could use to update their skills in the skills laboratory, at home, or in the office. Copyright © 2014 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Test and analysis of Celion 3000/PMR-15, graphite/polyimide bonded composite joints: Data report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cushman, J. B.; Mccleskey, S. F.; Ward, S. H.

1982-01-01

Standard single lap, double lap and symmetric step lap bonded joints of Celion 3000/PMR-15 graphite/polyimide composite were evaluated. Composite to composite and composite to titanium joints were tested at 116 K (-250 F), 294 K (70 F) and 561 K (550 F). Joint parameters evaluated are lap length, adherend thickness, adherend axial stiffness, lamina stacking sequence and adherend tapering. Advanced joint concepts were examined to establish the change in performance of preformed adherends, scalloped adherends and hybrid systems. The material properties of the high temperature adhesive, designated A7F, used for bonding were established. The bonded joint tests resulted in interlaminar shear or peel failures of the composite and there were very few adhesive failures. Average test results agree with expected performance trends for the various test parameters. Results of finite element analyses and of test/analysis correlations are also presented.

Small molecules targeting LapB protein prevent Listeria attachment to catfish muscle

PubMed Central

Das, Bhaskar; Lawrence, Mark

2017-01-01

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive foodborne pathogen and the causative agent of listeriosis. L. monocytogenes lapB gene encodes a cell wall surface anchor protein, and mutation of this gene causes Listeria attenuation in mice. In this work, the potential role of Listeria LapB protein in catfish fillet attachment was investigated. To achieve this, boron-based small molecules designed to interfere with the active site of the L. monocytogenes LapB protein were developed, and their ability to prevent L. monocytogenes attachment to fish fillet was tested. Results indicated that seven out of nine different small molecules were effective in reducing the Listeria attachment to catfish fillets. Of these, three small molecules (SM3, SM5, and SM7) were highly effective in blocking Listeria attachment to catfish fillets. This study suggests an alternative strategy for reduction of L. monocytogenes contamination in fresh and frozen fish products. PMID:29253892

Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir lap welded Mg/Al joint assisted by stationary shoulder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Shude; Li, Zhengwei

2017-11-01

Using magnesium alloy as upper sheet, 3 mm-thick AZ31 magnesium alloy and 6061 aluminum alloy were joined using friction stir lap welding assisted by stationary shoulder. The effects of tool rotating speed on cross-sections, microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg/Al lap joints were mainly discussed. Results showed that stationary shoulder contributed to joint formation, by which stir zones (SZ) were characterized by big onion rings after welding. Because of the big forging force exerted by stationary shoulder, the upper region of hook was well bonded. SZ showed much higher hardness because of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). The bonding conditions at the base material (BM)/SZ interface at advancing side and the hook region played important roles on joint lap shear properties. The X-ray diffraction pattern analysis revealed that the main IMCs were Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17.

Lap time simulation and design optimisation of a brushed DC electric motorcycle for the Isle of Man TT Zero Challenge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dal Bianco, N.; Lot, R.; Matthys, K.

2018-01-01

This works regards the design of an electric motorcycle for the annual Isle of Man TT Zero Challenge. Optimal control theory was used to perform lap time simulation and design optimisation. A bespoked model was developed, featuring 3D road topology, vehicle dynamics and electric power train, composed of a lithium battery pack, brushed DC motors and motor controller. The model runs simulations over the entire ? or ? of the Snaefell Mountain Course. The work is validated using experimental data from the BX chassis of the Brunel Racing team, which ran during the 2009 to 2015 TT Zero races. Optimal control is used to improve drive train and power train configurations. Findings demonstrate computational efficiency, good lap time prediction and design optimisation potential, achieving a 2 minutes reduction of the reference lap time through changes in final drive gear ratio, battery pack size and motor configuration.

Isolation and characterization of two immunochemically distinct alkaline phosphatases from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Tan, A S; Worobec, E A

1993-02-01

We have isolated two alkaline phosphatases (H-AP and L-AP, for high and low molecular mass, respectively) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01. These two enzymes were found to differ in mobility on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels (H-AP, M(r) = 51,000 and L-AP, M(r) = 39,500), amino-terminal amino acid sequence and did not cross-react. Both enzymes were active as phosphomonoesterases while only L-AP demonstrated any phosphodiesterase activity. Both enzymes were purified from P. aeruginosa grown in phosphate limiting conditions using the same protocol and were identified in both periplasmic and extracellular locations. A low level of H-AP was produced constitutively whereas L-AP was produced only after induction by reduced phosphate concentration in the growth medium. An L-AP-like enzyme has been previously described, however, this is the first report of a second P. aeruginosa alkaline phosphatase.

Distinct Functions of CCAAT Enhancer-binding Protein Isoforms in the Regulation of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase during Interleukin-1β Stimulation*

PubMed Central

Qiu, Xiaolei; Aiken, Kimberly J.; Chokas, Ann L.; Beachy, Dawn E.; Nick, Harry S.

2008-01-01

The mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) is crucial in maintaining cellular and organismal homeostasis. Mn-SOD expression is tightly regulated in a manner that synchronizes its cytoprotective functions during inflammatory challenges. Induction of Mn-SOD gene expression by the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β is mediated through a complex intronic enhancer element. To identify and characterize the transcription factors required for Mn-SOD enhancer function, a yeast one-hybrid assay was utilized, and two CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) members, C/EBP β and C/EBP δ, were identified. These two transcription factors responded to IL-1β treatment with distinct expression profiles, different temporal yet inducible interactions with the endogenous Mn-SOD enhancer, and also opposite effects on Mn-SOD transcription. C/EBP β is expressed as three isoforms, LAP* (liver-activating protein), LAP, and LIP (liver-inhibitory protein). Our functional analysis demonstrated that only the full-length C/EBP β/LAP* served as a true activator for Mn-SOD, whereas LAP, LIP, and C/EBP δ functioned as potential repressors. Finally, our systematic mutagenesis of the unique N-terminal 21 amino acids further solidified the importance of LAP* in the induction of Mn-SOD and emphasized the crucial role of this isoform. Our data demonstrating the physiological relevance of the N-terminal peptide also provide a rationale for revisiting the role of LAP* in the regulation of other genes and in pathways such as lipogenesis and development. PMID:18559338

The Characteristics of Fatigue Damage in the Fuselage Riveted Lap Splice Joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Willard, Scott A.

1997-01-01

An extensive data base has been developed to form the physical basis for new analytical methodology to predict the onset of widespread fatigue damage in the fuselage lap splice joint. The results of detailed destructive examinations have been cataloged to describe the physical nature of MSD in the lap splice joint. ne catalog includes a detailed description, e.g., crack initiation, growth rates, size, location, and fracture morphology, of fatigue damage in the fuselage lap splice joint structure. Detailed examinations were conducted on a lap splice joint panel removed from a full scale fuselage test article after completing a 60,000 cycle pressure test. The panel contained a four bay region that exhibited visible outer skin cracks and regions of crack link-up along the upper rivet row. Destructive examinations revealed undetected fatigue damage in the outer skin, inner skin, and tear strap regions. Outer skin fatigue cracks were found to initiate by fretting damage along the faying surface. The cracks grew along the faying surface to a length equivalent to two to three skin thicknesses before penetrating the outboard surface of the outer skin. Analysis of fracture surface marker bands produced during full scale testing revealed that all upper rivet row fatigue cracks contained in a dim bay region grow at similar rates; this important result suggests that fracture mechanics based methods can be used to predict the growth of outer skin fatigue cracks in lap splice structure. Results are presented showing the affects of MSD and out-of-plane pressure loads on outer skin crack link-up.

Feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of Low Amplitude Seizure Therapy (LAP-ST): A proof of concept clinical trial in man.

PubMed

Youssef, Nagy A; Sidhom, Emad

2017-11-01

Current pulse amplitude used in clinical ECT may be higher than needed. Reducing pulse amplitude may improve focality of the electric field and thus cognitive adverse effects. Here we examine the feasibility, safety, and whether Low Pulse Amplitude Seizure Therapy (LAP-ST, 0.5-0.6A) minimizes cognitive adverse effects while retaining efficacy. Patients with treatment-resistant primary mood (depressive episodes) or psychotic disorders who were clinically indicated to undergo ECT were offered to be enrolled in an open-label study. The study consisted of a full acute course of LAP-ST under standard anesthesia and muscle relaxation. The primary outcome was feasibility of seizure induction. Clinical outcome measures were: time to reorientation (TRO), Mini Mental State Examination, Montgomery Aberg Depression Scale, and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression Scale. Twenty-two patients consented for enrollment in the study. LAP-ST was feasible, and all patients had seizures in the first session. Participants had a quick orientation with median TRO of 4.5min. Treatment was efficacious for both depressive and psychotic symptoms. Relatively small sample size, non-blinded, and no randomization was performed in this initial proof of concept study. This first human preliminary data of a full course of focal LAP-ST demonstrates that seizure induction is feasible. These results, although preliminary, suggest that the LAP-ST compared to the standard ECT techniques may result in less cognitive side effects, but comparable efficacy. Larger studies are needed to replicate these findings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long-term, repeated dose in vitro neurotoxicity of the glutamate receptor antagonist L-AP3, demonstrated in rat hippocampal slice cultures by using continuous propidium iodide incubation.

PubMed

Kristensen, Bjarne W; Blaabjerg, Morten; Noraberg, Jens; Zimmer, Jens

2007-05-01

Most in vitro models are only used to assess short-term effects of test compounds. However, as demonstrated here, hippocampal slice cultures can be used for long-term studies. The test compound used was the metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, L(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3), which is known to be toxic in vivo after subchronic, but not acute, administration. Degenerative effects were monitored by measuring the cellular uptake of propidium iodide (PI; continuously present in the medium) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and by using a panel of histological stains. Hippocampal slices, derived from 2-3 day old rats and grown for 3 weeks, were subsequently exposed for the next 3 weeks to 0, 10 or 100microM L-AP3, with PI (2microM) in the culture medium. Exposure to 100microM L-AP3 induced severe toxicity after 4-6 days, shown by massive PI uptake, LDH leakage, changes in MAP2 and GFAP immunostaining, and in Nissl and Timm staining. In contrast, 10microM L-AP3 did not induce detectable neuronal degeneration. Treatment with the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, or the AMPA/KA receptor antagonist NBQX, together with 100microM L-AP3, reduced neurodegeneration down to close to control values. It is concluded that continuous incubation of hippocampal slice cultures with PI is technically feasible for use in studies of inducible neuronal degeneration over time.

Fission yeast Lem2 and Man1 perform fundamental functions of the animal cell nuclear lamina.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Yanira; Saito, Akira; Sazer, Shelley

2012-01-01

In animal cells the nuclear lamina, which consists of lamins and lamin-associated proteins, serves several functions: it provides a structural scaffold for the nuclear envelope and tethers proteins and heterochromatin to the nuclear periphery. In yeast, proteins and large heterochromatic domains including telomeres are also peripherally localized, but there is no evidence that yeast have lamins or a fibrous nuclear envelope scaffold. Nonetheless, we found that the Lem2 and Man1 proteins of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, evolutionarily distant relatives of the Lap2/Emerin/Man1 (LEM) sub-family of animal cell lamin-associated proteins, perform fundamental functions of the animal cell lamina. These integral inner nuclear membrane localized proteins, with nuclear localized DNA binding Helix-Extension-Helix (HEH) domains, impact nuclear envelope structure and integrity, are essential for the enrichment of telomeres at the nuclear periphery and by means of their HEH domains anchor chromatin, most likely transcriptionally repressed heterochromatin, to the nuclear periphery. These data indicate that the core functions of the nuclear lamina are conserved between fungi and animal cells and can be performed in fission yeast, without lamins or other intermediate filament proteins.

Logo recognition using alpha-rooted phase correlation in the radon transform domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DelMarco, Stephen

2009-08-01

Alpha-rooted phase correlation (ARPC) is a recently-developed variant of classical phase correlation that includes a Fourier domain image enhancement operation. ARPC combines classical phase correlation with alpha-rooting to provide tunable image enhancement. The alpha-rooting parameters may be adjusted to provide a tradeoff between height and width of the ARPC main lobe. A high narrow main lobe peak provides high matching accuracy for aligned images, but reduced matching performance for misaligned logos. A lower, wider peak trades matching accuracy on aligned logos, for improved matching performance on misaligned imagery. Previously, we developed ARPC and used it in the spatial domain for logo recognition as part of an overall automated document analysis problem. However, spatial domain ARPC performance can be sensitive to logo misalignments, including rotational misalignment. In this paper we use ARPC as a match metric in the radon transform domain for logo recognition. In the radon transform domain, rotational misalignments correspond to translations in the radon transform angle parameter. These translations are captured by ARPC, thereby producing rotation-invariant logo matching. In the paper, we first present an overview of ARPC, and then describe the logo matching algorithm. We present numerical performance results demonstrating matching tolerance to rotational misalignments. We demonstrate robustness of the radon transform domain rotation estimation to noise. We present logo verification and recognition performance results using the proposed approach on a public domain logo database. We compare performance results to performance obtained using spatial domain ARPC, and state-of-the-art SURF features, for logos in salt-and-pepper noise.

Lap-Dissolve Slides

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fine, Leonard W.; And Others

1977-01-01

Discusses the use of lap-dissolve projection to give students pre-laboratory instruction on an upcoming experiment. In this technique, two slide projectors are operated alternately so that one visual image fades away while the next appears on the same screen area. (MLH)

INTERIOR OF WEST SPAN LOOKING WEST (SHADOW OF VERTICAL LAPS ...

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

INTERIOR OF WEST SPAN LOOKING WEST (SHADOW OF VERTICAL LAPS PLACED ON ZONE III; ASPHALT ZONE IX) - Honey Run Bridge, Spanning Butte Creek, bypassed section of Honey Run Road (originally Carr Hill Road), Paradise, Butte County, CA

Impact injuries in pregnancy. I, Experimental studies.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1968-03-01

Eleven pregnant baboons were subjected to experimental impacts. Variables included 20-, 33-, and 40-G levels of decelerative forces; forward and rearward facing seats; lap belt and lap belt plus shoulder harness restraint; and seat pans tilted 20 deg...

77 FR 28240 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-14

... multiple site damage cracks in the radial web lap and tear strap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead at... multiple site damage cracks in the radial web lap and tear strap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead at...

Necessary and sufficient condition for the realization of the complex wavelet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keita, Alpha; Qing, Qianqin; Wang, Nengchao

1997-04-01

Wavelet theory is a whole new signal analysis theory in recent years, and the appearance of which is attracting lots of experts in many different fields giving it a deepen study. Wavelet transformation is a new kind of time. Frequency domain analysis method of localization in can-be- realized time domain or frequency domain. It has many perfect characteristics that many other kinds of time frequency domain analysis, such as Gabor transformation or Viginier. For example, it has orthogonality, direction selectivity, variable time-frequency domain resolution ratio, adjustable local support, parsing data in little amount, and so on. All those above make wavelet transformation a very important new tool and method in signal analysis field. Because the calculation of complex wavelet is very difficult, in application, real wavelet function is used. In this paper, we present a necessary and sufficient condition that the real wavelet function can be obtained by the complex wavelet function. This theorem has some significant values in theory. The paper prepares its technique from Hartley transformation, then, it gives the complex wavelet was a signal engineering expert. His Hartley transformation, which also mentioned by Hartley, had been overlooked for about 40 years, for the social production conditions at that time cannot help to show its superiority. Only when it came to the end of 70s and the early 80s, after the development of the fast algorithm of Fourier transformation and the hardware implement to some degree, the completely some positive-negative transforming method was coming to take seriously. W transformation, which mentioned by Zhongde Wang, pushed the studying work of Hartley transformation and its fast algorithm forward. The kernel function of Hartley transformation.

Characterizing College Science Assessments: The Three-Dimensional Learning Assessment Protocol

PubMed Central

Underwood, Sonia M.; Matz, Rebecca L.; Posey, Lynmarie A.; Carmel, Justin H.; Caballero, Marcos D.; Fata-Hartley, Cori L.; Ebert-May, Diane; Jardeleza, Sarah E.; Cooper, Melanie M.

2016-01-01

Many calls to improve science education in college and university settings have focused on improving instructor pedagogy. Meanwhile, science education at the K-12 level is undergoing significant changes as a result of the emphasis on scientific and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. This framework of “three-dimensional learning” is based on the literature about how people learn science and how we can help students put their knowledge to use. Recently, similar changes are underway in higher education by incorporating three-dimensional learning into college science courses. As these transformations move forward, it will become important to assess three-dimensional learning both to align assessments with the learning environment, and to assess the extent of the transformations. In this paper we introduce the Three-Dimensional Learning Assessment Protocol (3D-LAP), which is designed to characterize and support the development of assessment tasks in biology, chemistry, and physics that align with transformation efforts. We describe the development process used by our interdisciplinary team, discuss the validity and reliability of the protocol, and provide evidence that the protocol can distinguish between assessments that have the potential to elicit evidence of three-dimensional learning and those that do not. PMID:27606671

Characterizing College Science Assessments: The Three-Dimensional Learning Assessment Protocol.

PubMed

Laverty, James T; Underwood, Sonia M; Matz, Rebecca L; Posey, Lynmarie A; Carmel, Justin H; Caballero, Marcos D; Fata-Hartley, Cori L; Ebert-May, Diane; Jardeleza, Sarah E; Cooper, Melanie M

2016-01-01

Many calls to improve science education in college and university settings have focused on improving instructor pedagogy. Meanwhile, science education at the K-12 level is undergoing significant changes as a result of the emphasis on scientific and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. This framework of "three-dimensional learning" is based on the literature about how people learn science and how we can help students put their knowledge to use. Recently, similar changes are underway in higher education by incorporating three-dimensional learning into college science courses. As these transformations move forward, it will become important to assess three-dimensional learning both to align assessments with the learning environment, and to assess the extent of the transformations. In this paper we introduce the Three-Dimensional Learning Assessment Protocol (3D-LAP), which is designed to characterize and support the development of assessment tasks in biology, chemistry, and physics that align with transformation efforts. We describe the development process used by our interdisciplinary team, discuss the validity and reliability of the protocol, and provide evidence that the protocol can distinguish between assessments that have the potential to elicit evidence of three-dimensional learning and those that do not.

The Molecular Dynamics Study of the Structural Conversions in the Transformer Protein RfaH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gc, Jeevan; Gerstman, Bernard; Chapagain, Prem

Recently, a class of multi-domain proteins such as RfaH transcription factor are labelled as the transformer proteins as they undergo major conformational transformation for performing multiple functions. In the absence of the inter-domain contacts, the C-terminal domain of RfaH transforms from its alpha-helix conformation to a beta-barrel structure. Each of these states have their own functional role: in its alpha-helx state, RfaH-CTD inhibits the transcription by masking the binding site of RNAP, but in its beta state it facilitates the translation. We used various molecular dynamics simulations to study its transformer-like behavior of full-RfaH and identified key amino acid residues that are important in modulating such behavior. Our results show that the inter domain interactions constitute the major barrier in the alpha-helix to beta-barrel conversion. Once the interfacial interactions are broken, structural conversion is easier. The structural conversion from beta-barrel to alpha-helix proceeds with the rearrangement of the hydrophobic residues followed by the inter domain contacts formation via non-native, transient salt-bridge formation, leading to the formation of the native inter domain salt-bridge and hydrophobic contacts to give the final alpha-helix structure.

Effectiveness of safety belt warning and interlock systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-04-01

Rental cars in Fayetteville, N.C., were equipped with four seat belt and warning systems: (Phase I) detachable shoulder and lap belt, no warning system; (Phase II) detachable shoulder and lap belt, warning system (January 1, 1972 standard); (Phase II...

A Graphical Presentation to Teach the Concept of the Fourier Transform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Besalu, E.

2006-01-01

A study was conducted to visualize the reason why the Fourier transform technique is useful to detect the originating frequencies of a complicated superposition of waves. The findings reveal that students respond well when instructors adapt pictorial presentation to show how the time-domain function is transformed into the frequency domain.

Strain measurements in composite bolted-joint specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyer, M. W.; Lightfoot, M. C.; Perry, J. C.

1979-01-01

Strain data from a series of bolted joint tests is presented. Double lap, double hole, double lap, single hole, and open hole tensile specimens were tested and the strain gage locations, load strain responses, and load axial displacement responses are presented. The open hole specimens were gaged to determine strain concentration factors. The double lap, double hole specimens were gaged to determine the uniformity of the strain in the joint and the amount of load transferred past the first bolt. The measurements indicated roughly half the load passed the first bolt to be reacted by the second bolt.

Multifrequency Eddy Current Inspection of Corrosion in Clad Aluminum Riveted Lap Joints and Its Effect on Fatigue Life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okafor, A. C.; Natarajan, S.

2007-03-01

Aging aircraft are prone to corrosion damage and fatigue cracks in riveted lap joints of fuselage skin panels. This can cause catastrophic failure if not detected and repaired. Hence detection of corrosion damage and monitoring its effect on structural integrity are essential. This paper presents multifrequency eddy current (EC) inspection of corrosion damage and machined material loss defect in clad A1 2024-T3 riveted lap joints and its effect on fatigue life. Results of eddy current inspection, corrosion product removal and fatigue testing are presented.

CT114 Lap Belt Arming Key Mod - User Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

31 (97%) 30 (94%) 1. Ease of use to perform visual 30 (94%) 2. Ease of use to perform free play (push past) check 31 (97%) ’Note I - If a...positive lock of the lap belt. 10. Perform Free Play (Push Past) Check - Press mating ends of lap belt fittings together to demo ability to push beyond...the following items. I 2 3 4 5 6 7 37. Ease-of·use in performing visual check? 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38. Ease-of·use in performing free play (push past

Unlabeled multi tumor marker detection system based on bioinitiated light addressable potentiometric sensor.

PubMed

Jia, Yun-Fang; Gao, Chun-Ying; He, Jia; Feng, Dao-Fu; Xing, Ke-Li; Wu, Ming; Liu, Yang; Cai, Wen-Sheng; Feng, Xi-Zeng

2012-08-21

Multi biomarkers' assays are of great significance in clinical diagnosis. A label-free multi tumor markers' parallel detection system was proposed based on a light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS). Arrayed LAPS chips with basic structure of Si(3)N(4)-SiO(2)-Si were prepared on silicon wafers, and the label-free parallel detection system for this component was developed with user friendly controlling interfaces. Then the l-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine (L-Dopa) hydrochloric solution was used to initiate the surface of LAPS. The L-Dopa immobilization state was investigated by the theoretical calculation. L-Dopa initiated LAPS' chip was biofunctionalized respectively by the antigens and antibodies of four tumor markers, α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and Ferritin. Then unlabeled antibodies and antigens of these four biomarkers were detected by the proposed detection systems. Furthermore physical and measuring principles in this system were described, and qualitative understanding for experimental data were given. The measured response ranges were compared with their clinical cutoff values, and sensitivities were calculated by OriginLab. The results indicate that this bioinitiated LAPS based label-free detection system may offer a new choice for the realization of unlabeled multi tumor markers' clinical assay.

Evolutionary pattern of improved 1-mile running performance.

PubMed

Foster, Carl; de Koning, Jos J; Thiel, Christian

2014-07-01

The official world records (WR) for the 1-mile run for men (3:43.13) and for women (4:12.58) have improved 12.2% and 32.3%, respectively, since the first WR recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations. Previous observations have suggested that the pacing pattern for successive laps is characteristically faster-slower-slowest-faster. However, modeling studies have suggested that uneven energy-output distribution, particularly a high velocity at the end of the race, is essentially wasted kinetic energy that could have been used to finish sooner. Here the authors report that further analysis of the pacing pattern in 32 men's WR races is characterized by a progressive reduction in the within-lap variation of pace, suggesting that improving the WR in the 1-mile run is as much about how energetic resources are managed as about the capacity of the athletes performing the race. In the women's WR races, the pattern of lap times has changed little, probably secondary to a lack of depth in the women's fields. Contemporary WR performances have been achieved a coefficient of variation of lap times on the order of 1.5-3.0%. Reasonable projection suggests that the WR is overdue for improving and may require lap times with a coefficient of variation of ~1%.

An evaluation of the lap-shear test for Sn-rich solder/Cu couples: Experiments and simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chawla, N.; Shen, Y.-L.; Deng, X.; Ege, E. S.

2004-12-01

The lap-shear technique is commonly used to evaluate the shear, creep, and thermal fatigue behavior of solder joints. We have conducted a parametric experimental and modeling study, on the effect of testing and geometrical parameters on solder/copper joint response in lap-shear. It was shown that the farfield applied strain is quite different from the actual solder strain (measured optically). Subtraction of the deformation of the Cu substrate provides a reasonable approximation of the solder strain in the elastic regime, but not in the plastic regime. Solder joint thickness has a profound effect on joint response. The solder response moves progressively closer to “true” shear response with increasing joint thickness. Numerical modeling using finite-element analyses were performed to rationalize the experimental findings. The same lap-shear configuration was used in the simulation. The input response for solder was based on the experimental tensile test result on bulk specimens. The calculated shear response, using both the commonly adopted far-field measure and the actual shear strain in solder, was found to be consistent with the trends observed in the lap-shear experiments. The geometric features were further explored to provide physical insight into the problem. Deformation of the substrate was found to greatly influence the shear behavior of the solder.

Characterization of lap joints laser beam welding of thin AA 2024 sheets with Yb:YAG disk-laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caiazzo, Fabrizia; Alfieri, Vittorio; Cardaropoli, Francesco; Sergi, Vincenzo

2012-06-01

Lap joints obtained by overlapping two plates are widely diffused in aerospace industry. Nevertheless, because of natural aging, adhesively bonded and riveted aircraft lap joints may be affected by cracks from rivets, voids or corrosion. Friction stir welding has been proposed as a valid alternative, although large heat affected zones are produced both in the top and the bottom plate due to the pin diameter. Interest has therefore been shown in studying laser lap welding as the laser beam has been proved to be competitive since it allows to concentrate the thermal input and increases productivity and quality. Some challenges arise as a consequence of aluminum low absorptance and high thermal conductivity; furthermore, issues are due to metallurgical challenges such as both micro and macro porosity formation and softening in the fused zone. Welding of AA 2024 thin sheets in a lap joint configuration is discussed in this paper: tests are carried out using a recently developed Trumpf TruDisk 2002 Yb:YAG disk-laser with high beam quality which allows to produce beads with low plates distortion and better penetration. The influence of the processing parameters is discussed considering the fused zone extent and the bead shape. The porosity content as well as the morphological features of the beads have been examined.

Stellar differential rotation and coronal time-scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibb, G. P. S.; Jardine, M. M.; Mackay, D. H.

2014-10-01

We investigate the time-scales of evolution of stellar coronae in response to surface differential rotation and diffusion. To quantify this, we study both the formation time and lifetime of a magnetic flux rope in a decaying bipolar active region. We apply a magnetic flux transport model to prescribe the evolution of the stellar photospheric field, and use this to drive the evolution of the coronal magnetic field via a magnetofrictional technique. Increasing the differential rotation (i.e. decreasing the equator-pole lap time) decreases the flux rope formation time. We find that the formation time is dependent upon the lap time and the surface diffusion time-scale through the relation τ_Form ∝ √{τ_Lapτ_Diff}. In contrast, the lifetimes of flux ropes are proportional to the lap time (τLife∝τLap). With this, flux ropes on stars with a differential rotation of more than eight times the solar value have a lifetime of less than 2 d. As a consequence, we propose that features such as solar-like quiescent prominences may not be easily observable on such stars, as the lifetimes of the flux ropes which host the cool plasma are very short. We conclude that such high differential rotation stars may have very dynamical coronae.

Multimodal imaging approach to examine biodistribution kinetics of Cabotegravir (GSK1265744) long acting parenteral formulation in rat.

PubMed

Jucker, Beat M; Alsaid, Hasan; Rambo, Mary; Lenhard, Stephen C; Hoang, Bao; Xie, Fang; Groseclose, M Reid; Castellino, Stephen; Damian, Valeriu; Bowers, Gary; Gupta, Manish

2017-12-28

Long-Acting Parenterals (LAPs) have been used in the clinic to provide sustained therapeutic drug levels at a target site, and thereby reducing the frequency of dosing required. In an effort to understand the factors associated with long-acting cabotegravir (GSK1265744 LAP) pharmacokinetic variability, the current study was designed to investigate the temporal relationship between intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) drug depot morphology and distribution kinetics with plasma pharmacokinetics. Therefore, a multi-modal molecular imaging (MRI & MALDI IMS) approach was employed to examine the temporal GSK1265744 LAP biodistribution in rat following either IM or SC administration. Serial MRI was performed immediately post drug administration, and then at day 1 (24h post), 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14. In a separate cohort of rats, an MRI contrast agent, Feraheme® (USPIO), was administered 2days post IM drug injection in order to investigate the potential involvement of macrophages trafficking to the GSK1265744 LAP and Vehicle depot sites. The GSK1265744 LAP depot volume increased rapidly by day 2 in the IM injected rats (~3-7 fold) compared with a ~1 fold increase in the SC injected rats. In addition, the USPIO contrast agent labeled macrophages were shown to be present in the depot region of the GSK1265744 LAP injected gastrocnemius while the Vehicle injected gastrocnemius appeared to show reduced uptake. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) of muscle and abdominal tissue sections identified the drug content primarily within the depot. Co-registration of the GSK1265744 ion images with immunohistochemical images established that the drug was taken up by macrophages associated with the depot. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that the drug depot characteristics including volume, surface area, and perimeter assessed by MRI at day 2 correlated with early time point plasma drug concentrations. In summary, a multimodal molecular imaging approach was used to identify the drug depot location and volumetric/physiologic changes in both IM and SC locations following GSK1265744 LAP administration. The IM depot volume increased rapidly to a maximum volume at 2days post-GSK1265744 LAP administration, while the Vehicle depot did not suggesting that the active drug substance and/or related particle was a key driver for drug depot evolution. The depot expansion was associated with an increase in macrophage infiltration and edema in and around the depot region and was correlated to plasma drug concentration at early time points (0-4days). Consequently, molecular imaging approaches may be used in patients to help understand the biodistribution of GSK1265744 LAP and its associated pharmacokinetics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Sample German LAPS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenthal, Bianca

Four learning activity packages (LAPS) for use in secondary school German programs contain instructional materials which enable students to improve their basic linguistic skills. The units include: (1) "Grusse," (2) "Ich Heisse...Namen," (3) "Tune into Your Career: Business Correspondence 'Auf Deutch'," and (4) "Understanding German Culture."…

Performance of lap splices in large-scale column specimens affected by ASR and/or DEF.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-06-01

This research program conducted a large experimental program, which consisted of the design, construction, : curing, deterioration, and structural load testing of 16 large-scale column specimens with a critical lap splice : region, and then compared ...

Development of acceptance criteria for batches of silane primer for external tank thermal protection system bonding applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikes, F.; Mowrey, C.; Reis, E.

1985-01-01

Results of lap shear tests of various silane primers are presented in graphs and tables. The OH-absorption of these primers (FTIR area values) are correlated with the lap shear tests of coated panels.

Impact injury to the pregnant female and fetus in lap belt restraint.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1968-12-01

Although it has been well established that the lap (seat) belt offers considerable protection against injury or death in crash environments, there has long been controversy over the injury potential to the pregnant female. This question is of importa...

A laboratory study of multiple site damage in fuselage lap splices

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-12-01

This report details an experimental study that was conducted to explore the causes of : fuselage lap splice multiple site damage (MSD), which has been observed in several : aging aircraft. MSD was partially responsible for the 1988 Aloha Airlines acc...

IL-6 inhibits upregulation of membrane-bound TGF-beta 1 on CD4+ T cells and blocking IL-6 enhances oral tolerance

PubMed Central

Kuhn, Chantal; Rezende, Rafael Machado; M'Hamdi, Hanane; da Cunha, Andre Pires; Weiner, Howard L.

2016-01-01

Oral administration of antigen induces regulatory T cells that express latent membrane-bound TGF-beta (LAP) and that have been shown to play an important role in the induction of oral tolerance. We developed an in vitro model to study modulation of LAP+ on CD4+ T cells. The combination of anti-CD3 mAb, anti-CD28 mAb and recombinant IL-2 induced expression of LAP on naïve CD4+ T cells, independent of FoxP3 or exogenous TGF-β. In vitro generated CD4+LAP+FoxP3− T cells were suppressive in vitro, inhibiting proliferation of naïve CD4+ T cells and IL-17A secretion by Th17 cells. Assessing the impact of different cytokines and neutralizing antibodies against cytokines we found that LAP induction was decreased in the presence of IL-6 and IL-21, and to a lesser extent by IL-4 and TNFα. IL-6 abrogated the in vitro induction of CD4+LAP+ T cells by STAT3 dependent inhibition of Lrrc32 (GARP), the adapter protein that tethers TGF-beta to the membrane. Oral tolerance induction was enhanced in mice lacking expression of IL-6R by CD4+ T cells and by treatment of wild-type mice with neutralizing anti-IL-6 mAb. These results suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines interfere with oral tolerance induction and that blocking the IL-6 pathway is a potential strategy for enhancing oral tolerance in the setting of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. PMID:28039301

IL-6 Inhibits Upregulation of Membrane-Bound TGF-β 1 on CD4+ T Cells and Blocking IL-6 Enhances Oral Tolerance.

PubMed

Kuhn, Chantal; Rezende, Rafael Machado; M'Hamdi, Hanane; da Cunha, Andre Pires; Weiner, Howard L

2017-02-01

Oral administration of Ag induces regulatory T cells that express latent membrane-bound TGF-β (latency-associated peptide [LAP]) and have been shown to play an important role in the induction of oral tolerance. We developed an in vitro model to study modulation of LAP + on CD4 + T cells. The combination of anti-CD3 mAb, anti-CD28 mAb, and recombinant IL-2 induced expression of LAP on naive CD4 + T cells, independent of Foxp3 or exogenous TGF-β. In vitro generated CD4 + LAP + Foxp3 - T cells were suppressive in vitro, inhibiting proliferation of naive CD4 + T cells and IL-17A secretion by Th17 cells. Assessing the impact of different cytokines and neutralizing Abs against cytokines, we found that LAP induction was decreased in the presence of IL-6 and IL-21, and to a lesser extent by IL-4 and TNF-α. IL-6 abrogated the in vitro induction of CD4 + LAP + T cells by STAT3-dependent inhibition of Lrrc32 (glycoprotein A repetitions predominant [GARP]), the adapter protein that tethers TGF-β to the membrane. Oral tolerance induction was enhanced in mice lacking expression of IL-6R by CD4 + T cells and by treatment of wild-type mice with neutralizing anti-IL-6 mAb. These results suggest that proinflammatory cytokines interfere with oral tolerance induction and that blocking the IL-6 pathway is a potential strategy for enhancing oral tolerance in the setting of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

IgG sera levels against a subset of periodontopathogens and severity of disease in aggressive periodontitis patients: a cross-sectional study of selected pocket sites.

PubMed

Saraiva, Luciana; Rebeis, Estela S; Martins, Eder de S; Sekiguchi, Ricardo T; Ando-Suguimoto, Ellen S; Mafra, Carlos Eduardo S; Holzhausen, Marinella; Romito, Giuseppe A; Mayer, Marcia P A

2014-10-01

To evaluate the association among serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) serotypes a, b and c, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf) and clinical parameters in Aggressive Periodontitis (AP) subjects. Associations between periodontal pathogens and clinical and immunological parameters were also evaluated. Thirty-eight subjects diagnosed with generalized AP (GAP) and localized AP (LAP) were included. Ten healthy controls were also evaluated. Clinical parameters were assessed and percentages of subgingival levels of Aa, Pg and Tf (beyond bacterial load), were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum IgG antibody levels against Aa, Pg and Tf were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Percentages of Aa, Pg and Tf were significantly higher in AP than in controls. The response to Aa serotype c was higher in LAP subjects than in controls. There were no differences in microbial composition or antibodies responses between GAP and LAP, except for IgG response to Tf. Pg levels were correlated with probing depth (PD), BoP and CAL in GAP but not in LAP subjects. Tf levels correlated with PD and CAL in GAP subjects. In GAP, the infection levels of Aa and Pg correlated with the corresponding IgG levels to Aa serotype c and Pg. Given the evidences that IgG response in AP patients correlated with bacterial infection level in GAP, but not in LAP, and that LAP patients lack a response to Tf, despite harbouring this species, our data suggest a difference in host immune defence between these two forms of aggressive periodontitis. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of peripheral neutrophil functions in aggressive periodontitis patients and their family members in Indian population: An assessment of neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity

PubMed Central

Bhansali, Rahul Suresh; Yeltiwar, Ramreddy Krishnarao; Bhat, Kishore

2017-01-01

Background: Association of neutrophil function abnormalities with localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) has been reported in Indian population. There are no published studies on the familial aggregation of aggressive periodontitis (AP) and neutrophil function abnormalities associated with it in Indian population. The present study aimed to assess neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity in AP patients and their family members of Indian origin, who may or may not be suffering from AP. Materials and Methods: Eighteen families with a total of 51 individuals (18 probands, 33 family members) were included. Neutrophil chemotaxis was evaluated against an alkali-soluble casein solution using Wilkinson's method. Phagocytosis and microbicidal activity assay were performed using Candida albicans as an indicator organism. Statistical Analysis Used: The magnitude of association between the presence of defective neutrophil function and LAP or GAP was calculated using odds ratio and relative risk. Total incidence of AP, and in particular, LAP in the families attributable to the presence of defective neutrophil function was calculated by attributable risk. Results: The association between depressed neutrophil chemotaxis and presence of AP and LAP or GAP in all the family members (n = 51) was found to be significant (P < 0.05) while that for phagocytic and microbicidal activity were observed to be nonsignificant. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest high incidence of AP (LAP and GAP) within families was associated with depressed neutrophil chemotaxis. High prevalence of depressed neutrophil chemotaxis in the family members (61%) of LAP probands exhibiting depressed chemotaxis suggests that the observed abnormalities in neutrophil functions may also be inherited by the family members. PMID:29551862

The effect of pimobendan on left atrial pressure in dogs with mitral valve regurgitation.

PubMed

Suzuki, S; Fukushima, R; Ishikawa, T; Hamabe, L; Aytemiz, D; Huai-Che, H; Nakao, S; Machida, N; Tanaka, R

2011-01-01

The effects of pimobendan on left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with mitral valve disease (MR) have not been documented in a quantitative manner. The objective was to document and study the short-term effects of pimobendan on LAP and echocardiographic parameters in MR dogs. Eight healthy Beagle dogs weighing 10.0-14.7 kg (3 males and 5 females; aged 2 years) were used. Experimental, cross-over, and interventional study. Dogs with surgically induced MR received pimobendan at either 0.25 mg/kg or 0.50 mg/kg p.o. q12h for 7 days and then, after a 7-day wash-out period, the other dosage. LAP was measured for 30 minutes at baseline and again on days 1, 2, 4, and 7 of pimobendan administration. Mean LAP was significantly decreased after the administration of 0.25 mg/kg (15.81 ± 5.44 mmHg to 12.67 ± 5.71 mmHg, P < .001) and 0.50 mg/kg (15.76 ± 5.45 mmHg to 10.77 ± 5.23 mmHg, P < .001). Also, the 0.50 mg/kg group led to a significantly lower LAP (P < .01) compared with the 0.25 mg/kg group. Significant reduction was seen for the first time 4 days after the administration of 0.25 mg/kg and a day after the administration of 0.50 mg/kg. Pimobendan decreased LAP in a dose-dependent manner in dogs with acute MR caused by experimental chordal rupture. This study did not evaluate adverse effects of high-dose pimobendan, and additional studies in clinical patients are warranted. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Driving with a short arm cast in a simulator.

PubMed

Mansour, Damian; Mansour, Kristin Gotaas; Kenny, Benjamin William; Attia, John; Meads, Bryce

2015-12-01

To test the ability to steer in a driving simulator in subjects with a short arm cast. 17 men and 13 women aged 23 to 67 (mean, 37) years who had a valid driver's licence were randomised to the cast-first group (n=16; 7 had the cast on the dominant arm) or the cast-second group (n=14; 8 had the cast on the dominant arm) and drove in a simulator. A short arm plaster-of-Paris cast was applied in a neutral position, allowing free movement of the metacarpophalangeal joints, thumb, and elbow joint. Outcome measures included the number of driving off track instances, the number of crashes, the lap time, and the effect of hand dominance on these parameters. Subjects were asked whether the cast had impeded their steering ability. Subjects with or without a cast were comparable in terms of the number of driving off track instances, number of crashes, and lap time. Compared with no cast, the odds ratio (OR) of a subject in a cast driving off the track was 1.02 (p=0.921) and having a crash was 0.79 (p=0.047). All subjects were 1.23 times more likely to drive off the track in their first lap (OR=2.66, p=0.019). The mean lap time decreased for each consecutive lap from the 2nd to 5th laps. Subjects driving with a cast on the dominant or non-dominant arm were comparable. 26 out of the 30 participants considered that the plaster cast impeded their steering ability. Compared with no cast, driving with a short arm cast did not significantly decrease steering ability in a driving simulator.

Determination of the Corrosive Conditions Present within Aircraft Lap-Splice Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Karen S.; Kelly, Robert G.; Piascik, Robert S.

1999-01-01

The complexity of airframe structure lends itself to damage resulting from crevice corrosion. Fuselage lap-splice joints are a particularly important structural detail in this regard because of the difficulty associated with detection and measurement of corrosion in these occluded regions. The objective of this work is to develop a laboratory corrosion test protocol to identify the chemistry to which lap joints are exposed and to develop a model of the corrosion within the joints. A protocol for collecting and identifying the chemistry of airframe crevice corrosion has been developed. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is used to identify the ionic species contained in corrosion product samples removed from fuselage lap splice joints. CE analysis has been performed on over sixty corrosion product samples removed from both civilian and military aircraft. Over twenty different ions have been detected. Measurements of pH of wetted corroded surfaces indicated an alkaline occluded solution. After determining the species present and their relative concentrations, the resultant solution was reproduced in bulk and electrochemical tests were performed to determine the corrosion rate. Electrochemical analyses of the behavior of AA2024-T3 in these solutions gave corrosion rates of up to 250 microns per year (10 mpy). Additional tests have determined the relative importance of each of the detected ions in model solutions used for future predictive tests. The statistically significant ions have been used to create a second generation solution. Laboratory studies have also included exposure tests involving artificial lap joints exposed to various simulated bulk and crevice environments. The extent and morphology of the attack in artificial lap joints has been compared to studies of corroded samples from actual aircraft. Other effects, such as temperature and potential, as well as the impact of the environment on fatigue crack growth have also been studied.

Martensitelike spontaneous relaxor-normal ferroelectric transformation in Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbLa(ZrTi)O3 system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Guochu; Ding, Aili; Li, Guorong; Zheng, Xinsen; Cheng, Wenxiu; Qiu, Pingsun; Yin, Qingrui

2005-11-01

The spontaneous relaxor-normal ferroelectric transformation was found in the tetragonal composition of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbLa(ZrTi)O3 (0.3PZN-0.7PLZT) complex ABO3 system. The corresponding dielectric permittivities and losses of different compositions located near the morphotrophic phase boundary were analyzed. By reviewing all of the results about this type of transformation in previous references, the electric, compositional, structural, and thermodynamic characteristics of the spontaneous relaxor-normal transformation were proposed. Additionally, the adaptive phase model for martensite transformation proposed by Khachaturyan et al. [Phys. Rev. B 43, 10832 (1991)] was introduced into this ferroelectric transformation to explain the unique transformation pathway and associated features such as the tweedlike domain patterns and the dielectric dispersion under the critical transition temperature. Due to the critical compositions near the MPB, the ferroelectric materials just fulfill the condition, in which the adaptive phases can form in the transformation procedure. The formation of the adaptive phases, which are composed of stress-accommodating twinned domains, makes the system bypass the energy barrier encountered in conventional martensite transformations. The twinned adaptive phase corresponds to the tweedlike domain pattern under a transmission electronic microscope. At lower temperature, these precursor phases transform into the conventional ferroelectric state with macrodomains by the movement of domain walls, which causes a weak dispersion in dielectric permittivity.

A Method to Compute the Force Signature of a Body Impacting on a Linear Elastic Structure Using Fourier Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-17

FK * 1PK (2) The convolution of two transforms in time domain is the inverse transform of the product in frequency domain. Thus Rp(s) - Fgc() Ipg(*) (3...its inverse transform by: R,(r)- R,(a.)e’’ do. (5)2w In order to nuke use f a very accurate numerical method to ompute Fourier "ke and coil...taorm. When the inverse transform it tken by using Eq. (15), the cosine transform, because it converges faster than the sine transform refu-ft the

49 CFR 230.72 - Testing main reservoirs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STEAM LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Steam Locomotives and... longitudinal lap seams, an appropriate NDE method that can measure the wall thickness of the reservoir may be... or riveted longitudinal lap seam main reservoirs, an appropriate NDE method that can measure wall...

Diagnostic Assessment of Disadvantaged Vocational Learners.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gemmill, Perry R.; Kiss, Mary Ellen

This learning activity package (LAP) titled Diagnostic Assessment of Disadvantaged Vocational Learners is one of a series designed to develop competencies needed by vocational teachers working with disadvantaged students. Each LAP concentrates on one general vocational teacher competency and contains the following sections: an introduction, a…

"Analysis of Van Allen Probes lapping data using Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE)"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallton, D. A.; Manweiler, J. W.; Gerrard, A. J.; Cravens, T.; Lanzerotti, L. J.; Patterson, J. D.

2017-12-01

The increased frequency of the Van Allen Probes (VAP) lapping events provides a unique opportunity to examine the scaling length and structure of the magnetospheric plasma at microscales. Onboard the probes is the RBSPICE instrument, which is an energetic particle detector capable of observing ions (H+, Hen+, On+) from approximately 7 KeV upwards to values of 1 MeV. Here we provide a correlation analysis of the probes during quiet time lapping events which examines the behavior of the particle populations when the probes are within 1,000 km of separation distance, at a distance greater than 15,000 km from Earth, and where the Kp and AE magnetic indices show minimal geomagnetic activity. The correlation values of the energetic particle distributions are examined and the falloff distances associated with the tail end of the plasma distribution are calculated. We provide an overview of the initial analysis results for H during the quiet time lapping events and a discussion of the causal relationship.

Endovascular management of lap belt-related abdominal aortic injury in a 9-year-old child.

PubMed

Papazoglou, Konstantinos O; Karkos, Christos D; Kalogirou, Thomas E; Giagtzidis, Ioakeim T

2015-02-01

Blunt abdominal aortic trauma is a rare occurrence in children with only a few patients having been reported in the literature. Most such cases have been described in the context of lap belt injuries. We report a 9-year-old boy who suffered lap belt trauma to the abdomen during a high-speed road traffic accident resulting to the well-recognized pattern of blunt abdominal injury, that is, the triad of intestinal perforation, fractures of the lumbar spine, and abdominal aortic injury. The latter presented with lower limb ischemia due to dissection of the infrarenal aorta and right common iliac artery. Revascularization was achieved by endovascular means using 2 self-expanding stents in the infrarenal aorta and the right common iliac artery. This case is one of the few reports of lap belt-related acute traumatic abdominal aortic dissection in a young child and highlights the feasibility of endovascular management in the pediatric population. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Way to nanogrinding technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyashita, Masakazu

1990-11-01

Precision finishing process of hard and brittle material components such as single crystal silicon wafer and magnetic head consists of lapping and polishing which depend too much on skilled labor. This process is based on the traditional optical production technology and entirely different from the automated mass production technique in automobile production. Instead of traditional lapping and polishing, the nanogrinding is proposed as a new stock removal machining to generate optical surface on brittle materials. By this new technology, the damage free surface which is the same one produced by lapping and polishing can be obtained on brittle materials, and the free carvature can also be generated on brittle materials. This technology is based on the motion copying principle which is the same as in case of metal parts machining. The new nanogrinding technology is anticipated to be adapted as the machining technique suitable for automated mass production, because the stable machining on the level of optical production technique is expected to be obtained by the traditional lapping and polishing.

Mechanical properties of dissimilar metal joints composed of DP 980 steel and AA 7075-T6

DOE PAGES

Squires, Lile; Lim, Yong Chae; Miles, Michael; ...

2015-03-18

In this study, a solid state joining process, called friction bit joining, was used to spot weld aluminium alloy 7075-T6 to dual phase 980 steel. Lap shear failure loads for specimens without adhesive averaged ~10kN, while cross-tension specimens averaged 2·8 kN. Addition of adhesive with a thickness up to 500 μm provided a gain of ~50% to lap shear failure loads, while a much thinner layer of adhesive increased cross-tension failure loads by 20%. Microstructures of the welds were martensitic, but the hardness of the joining bit portion was greater than that of the DP 980, owing to its highermore » alloy content. Softening in the heat affected zone of a welded joint appeared to be relatively small, though it was enough to cause nugget pullout failures in some lap shear tension specimens. Finally, other failures in lap shear tension were interfacial, while all of the failures in cross-tension were interfacial.« less

[Behaviour of the LAP (leucine-amino-peptidase) in the serum of blood in subjects affected of cirrhosis of the liver in stage ascitical (author's transl)].

PubMed

Pace, M; Fernandes, D

1980-12-01

The AA. have studied behaviour of the LAP (leucine-amino-peptidase) in the serum of blood in subjects affected of cirrhosis of the liver in stage ascitical, of cause toxic-alcoholic excluding about of the casuistry the cirrhosis of the another cause and the cirrhosis that are compled white an obstruction in and extrahepatic standard biliary cirrhosis 1 degree e 2 degree. After the exposition of the casuistry in the registred normality of the test (seric-LAP) in some cases of hepatic-alcoholic cirrhosis, the AA. concluded considering the LAP an indicator only of the obstruction in and extra-hepatic, consistent with hepatic-organ well operating; do not be a secure test to follow development of a chronic hepatitis of any kind, even if in the hepatic disease is present an infiltration and an overturning of the hepatic-lobule, like it is normally in the hepatic alcoholic diseases.

A unique H2A histone variant occupies the transcriptional start site of active genes.

PubMed

Soboleva, Tatiana A; Nekrasov, Maxim; Pahwa, Anuj; Williams, Rohan; Huttley, Gavin A; Tremethick, David J

2011-12-04

Transcriptional activation is controlled by chromatin, which needs to be unfolded and remodeled to ensure access to the transcription start site (TSS). However, the mechanisms that yield such an 'open' chromatin structure, and how these processes are coordinately regulated during differentiation, are poorly understood. We identify the mouse (Mus musculus) H2A histone variant H2A.Lap1 as a previously undescribed component of the TSS of active genes expressed during specific stages of spermatogenesis. This unique chromatin landscape also includes a second histone variant, H2A.Z. In the later stages of round spermatid development, H2A.Lap1 dynamically loads onto the inactive X chromosome, enabling the transcriptional activation of previously repressed genes. Mechanistically, we show that H2A.Lap1 imparts unique unfolding properties to chromatin. We therefore propose that H2A.Lap1 coordinately regulates gene expression by directly opening the chromatin structure of the TSS at genes regulated during spermatogenesis.

Interfacial and Mechanical Behavior of AA5456 Filling Friction-Stir-Welded Lap Joints Using Similar and Dissimilar Pins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behmand, Saleh Alaei; Mirsalehi, Seyyed Ehsan; Omidvar, Hamid; Safarkhanian, Mohammad Ali

2016-10-01

In this article, filling friction stir welding (FFSW) of the remaining exit holes of AA5456 alloy friction-stir-welded lap joints was studied. For this purpose, the influences of different rotating speeds, holding times, and pin materials, AA5456 and AA2024, on the metallurgical structure and joint strength were investigated. The observations showed that defect-free lap joints are successfully obtainable by this method using similar and dissimilar consumable pins. The results indicated that the higher rotating speed and holding time adversely affect the weld performance. The best result was achieved for 30 seconds holding time, 500 rpm rotating speed, and AA2024 consumable pin. In this condition, a lap shear strength of 10 pct higher than that of the nonfilled joint, equivalent to about 94 pct of the original defect-free FSW joint, was obtained, whereas the GTAW filled joint showed only approximately 87 pct of the continuous FSW joint strength.

Enhanced image fusion using directional contrast rules in fuzzy transform domain.

PubMed

Nandal, Amita; Rosales, Hamurabi Gamboa

2016-01-01

In this paper a novel image fusion algorithm based on directional contrast in fuzzy transform (FTR) domain is proposed. Input images to be fused are first divided into several non-overlapping blocks. The components of these sub-blocks are fused using directional contrast based fuzzy fusion rule in FTR domain. The fused sub-blocks are then transformed into original size blocks using inverse-FTR. Further, these inverse transformed blocks are fused according to select maximum based fusion rule for reconstructing the final fused image. The proposed fusion algorithm is both visually and quantitatively compared with other standard and recent fusion algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method generates better results than the other methods.

Inguinal hernia repair: is there a benefit to using the robot?

PubMed

Charles, Eric J; Mehaffey, J Hunter; Tache-Leon, Carlos A; Hallowell, Peter T; Sawyer, Robert G; Yang, Zequan

2018-04-01

The number of robotic surgical procedures performed yearly is constantly rising, due to improved dexterity and visualization capabilities compared with conventional methods. We hypothesized that outcomes after robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair would not be significantly different from outcomes after laparoscopic or open repair. All patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair between 2012 and 2016 were identified using institutional American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. Demographics; preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics; and outcomes were evaluated based on method of repair (Robot, Lap, or Open). Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square test and continuous variables using Mann-Whitney U. A total of 510 patients were identified who underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair (Robot: 13.8% [n = 69], Lap: 48.1% [n = 241], Open: 38.1% [n = 191]). There were no demographic differences between groups other than age (Robot: 52 [39-62], Lap: 57 [45-67], and Open: 56 [48-67] years, p = 0.03). Operative duration was also different (Robot: 105 [76-146] vs. Lap: 81 [61-103] vs. Open: 71 [56-88] min, p < 0.001). There were no operative mortalities and all patients except one were discharged home the same day. Postoperative occurrences (adverse events, readmissions, and death) were similar between groups (Robot: 2.9% [2], Lap: 3.3% [8], Open: 5.2% [10], p = 0.53). Although rare, there was a significant difference in rate of postoperative skin and soft tissue infection (Robot: 2.9% [2] vs. Lap: 0% [0] vs. Open: 0.5% [1], p = 0.02). Cost was significantly different between groups (Robot: $7162 [$5942-8375] vs. Lap: $4527 [$2310-6003] vs. Open: $4264 [$3277-5143], p < 0.001). Outcomes after robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair were similar to outcomes after laparoscopic or open repair. Longer operative duration during robotic repair may contribute to higher rates of skin and soft tissue infection. Higher cost should be considered, along with surgeon comfort level and patient preference when deciding whether inguinal hernia repair is approached robotically.

Does proline isomerization shape the folding funnel of the wild type and mutant staphylococcal nuclease?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsong, Tian Yow; Su, Zheng-Ding

1999-10-01

Cis/trans isomerization of proline residues is known to exhibit high activation energies. These kinetic barriers often dominate the energy landscape of protein folding. There are 6 proline residues (at positions 11, 31, 42, 47, 56 and 117) in staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) [EC 3.1.31.1]. Stopped-flow CD222nm measuring the evolution of the secondary structure of protein has detected 5 kinetic barriers in SNase folding (ΔG≠ for τfr<15, τf1 16.9, τf2 18.5, τf3 19.5, and τfs 21.8 kcal/mol) and 3 kinetic barriers in unfolding (ΔG≠ for τur<15, τu1 17.4, τus 21.6 kcal/mol). To investigate systematically how individual proline residues and 6 proline residues in toto can shape the folding funnel we have expediently constructed 7 proline mutants for study. They are 6 single-proline-substituted mutants (P11A, P31A, P42A, P47A, P56A and P117A) and 1 proline-free mutant (PallA). Study of equilibrium folding/unfolding and stopped-flow kinetics of the wildtype and the 7 mutants of SNase have allowed us to identify sources of 3 main kinetic barriers in the SNase folding. The highest barrier (ΔG≠=21.8 kcal) belongs to the cis/trans isomerization of Pro117. The next barrier (ΔG≠=19.5 kcal) involves synergetic effects of proline residues which limits the rate of folding of the oligonucleotide binding (OB) domain in all 7 proline-containing SNase. For the proline-free mutant (PallA) the OB domain folds rapidly. Furthermore, we have found that the equilibrium folding/unfolding properties of these proline mutants are remarkably similar to that of the wildtype despite their startlingly different folding/unfolding kinetics. These results lead us to conclude that while free energy of folding (ΔGF=-4.5 kcal/mol) provides the driving force, it is the activation energy that forms a conduit or shapes a kinetic funnel for SNase folding. The landscape for SNase folding is extremely rugged. Data support our previously proposed Least Activation Path (LAP) model for protein folding [Su, Z.D. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 2539-2544 (1996)]. The LAP concept depicts protein folding as the movement of the unfolded population of protein along deep valleys of the energy landscape to reach the free energy minimum of the native state. An analogy for the LAP model would be flow of water from a highland over the rugged surface of a landscape to reach the lowest point of the ground. The fine features of the landscape will dictate kinetics and pathways of the flow.

On the domain of the Nelson Hamiltonian

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griesemer, M.; Wünsch, A.

2018-04-01

The Nelson Hamiltonian is unitarily equivalent to a Hamiltonian defined through a closed, semibounded quadratic form, the unitary transformation being explicitly known and due to Gross. In this paper, we study the mapping properties of the Gross-transform in order to characterize the regularity properties of vectors in the form domain of the Nelson Hamiltonian. Since the operator domain is a subset of the form domain, our results apply to vectors in the domain of the Hamiltonian as well. This work is a continuation of our previous work on the Fröhlich Hamiltonian.

Fabrication and metrology of km-scale radii on surfaces of master tooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leistner, Achim J.; Oreb, Bozenko F.; Seckold, Jeffrey A.; Walsh, Christopher J.

1999-08-01

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) core optical components have been manufactured by CSIRO. These optical substrates are optically polished on a lap surface that is made of Teflon coated onto a thick rigid faceted Zerodur base. To produce the km-scale radii (> 10 km) on these substrates the lap surface is shaped by abrading it with a fine ground silica plate whose radius of curvature corresponds to the one specified for the LIGO component. The plates are measured by a commercial phase stepping interferometer which is used in a grazing incidence arrangement. We describe the process of shaping and measuring the conditioning plates and laps.

The Growth of Multi-Site Fatigue Damage in Fuselage Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Willard, Scott A.

1999-01-01

Destructive examinations were performed to document the progression of multi-site damage (MSD) in three lap joint panels that were removed from a full scale fuselage test article that was tested to 60,000 full pressurization cycles. Similar fatigue crack growth characteristics were observed for small cracks (50 microns to 10 mm) emanating from counter bore rivets, straight shank rivets, and 100 deg counter sink rivets. Good correlation of the fatigue crack growth data base obtained in this study and FASTRAN Code predictions show that the growth of MSD in the fuselage lap joint structure can be predicted by fracture mechanics based methods.

Resilience of biochemical activity in protein domains in the face of structural divergence.

PubMed

Zhang, Dapeng; Iyer, Lakshminarayan M; Burroughs, A Maxwell; Aravind, L

2014-06-01

Recent studies point to the prevalence of the evolutionary phenomenon of drastic structural transformation of protein domains while continuing to preserve their basic biochemical function. These transformations span a wide spectrum, including simple domains incorporated into larger structural scaffolds, changes in the structural core, major active site shifts, topological rewiring and extensive structural transmogrifications. Proteins from biological conflict systems, such as toxin-antitoxin, restriction-modification, CRISPR/Cas, polymorphic toxin and secondary metabolism systems commonly display such transformations. These include endoDNases, metal-independent RNases, deaminases, ADP ribosyltransferases, immunity proteins, kinases and E1-like enzymes. In eukaryotes such transformations are seen in domains involved in chromatin-related peptide recognition and protein/DNA-modification. Intense selective pressures from 'arms-race'-like situations in conflict and macromolecular modification systems could favor drastic structural divergence while preserving function. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Species-Specific Elements in the Large T-Antigen J Domain Are Required for Cellular Transformation and DNA Replication by Simian Virus 40

PubMed Central

Sullivan, Christopher S.; Tremblay, James D.; Fewell, Sheara W.; Lewis, John A.; Brodsky, Jeffrey L.; Pipas, James M.

2000-01-01

The J domain of simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen is required for efficient DNA replication and transformation. Despite previous reports demonstrating the promiscuity of J domains in heterologous systems, results presented here show the requirement for specific J-domain sequences in SV40 large-T-antigen-mediated activities. In particular, chimeric-T-antigen constructs in which the SV40 T-antigen J domain was replaced with that from the yeast Ydj1p or Escherichia coli DnaJ proteins failed to replicate in BSC40 cells and did not transform REF52 cells. However, T antigen containing the JC virus J domain was functional in these assays, although it was less efficient than the wild type. The inability of some large-T-antigen chimeras to promote DNA replication and elicit cellular transformation was not due to a failure to interact with hsc70, since a nonfunctional chimera, containing the DnaJ J domain, bound hsc70. However, this nonfunctional chimeric T antigen was reduced in its ability to stimulate hsc70 ATPase activity and unable to liberate E2F from p130, indicating that transcriptional activation of factors required for cell growth and DNA replication may be compromised. Our data suggest that the T-antigen J domain harbors species-specific elements required for viral activities in vivo. PMID:10891510

Performance of lap splices in large-scale column specimens affected by ASR and/or DEF-extension phase.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-03-01

A large experimental program, consisting of the design, construction, curing, exposure, and structural load : testing of 16 large-scale column specimens with a critical lap splice region that were influenced by varying : stages of alkali-silica react...

An EMAT-based shear horizontal (SH) wave technique for adhesive bond inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arun, K.; Dhayalan, R.; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan; Maxfield, Bruce; Peres, Patrick; Barnoncel, David

2012-05-01

The evaluation of adhesively bonded structures has been a challenge over the several decades that these structures have been used. Applications within the aerospace industry often call for particularly high performance adhesive bonds. Several techniques have been proposed for the detection of disbonds and cohesive weakness but a reliable NDE method for detecting interfacial weakness (also sometimes called a kissing bond) has been elusive. Different techniques, including ultrasonic, thermal imaging and shearographic methods, have been proposed; all have had some degree of success. In particular, ultrasonic methods, including those based upon shear and guided waves, have been explored for the assessment of interfacial bond quality. Since 3-D guided shear horizontal (SH) waves in plates have predominantly shear displacement at the plate surfaces, we conjectured that SH guided waves should be influenced by interfacial conditions when they propagate between adhesively bonded plates of comparable thickness. This paper describes a new technique based on SH guided waves that propagate within and through a lap joint. Through mechanisms we have yet to fully understand, the propagation of an SH wave through a lap joint gives rise to a reverberation signal that is due to one or more reflections of an SH guided wave mode within that lap joint. Based upon a combination of numerical simulations and measurements, this method shows promise for detecting and classifying interfacial bonds. It is also apparent from our measurements that the SH wave modes can discriminate between adhesive and cohesive bond weakness in both Aluminum-Epoxy-Aluminum and Composite-Epoxy-Composite lap joints. All measurements reported here used periodic permanent magnet (PPM) Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMATs) to generate either or both of the two lowest order SH modes in the plates that comprise the lap joint. This exact configuration has been simulated using finite element (FE) models to describe the SH mode generation, propagation and reception. Of particular interest is that one SH guided wave mode (probably SH0) reverberates within the lap joint. Moreover, in both simulations and measurements, features of this so-called reverberation signal appear to be related to interfacial weakness between the plate (substrate) and the epoxy bond. The results of a hybrid numerical (FE) approach based on using COMSOL to calculate the driving forces within an elastic solid and ABAQUS to propagate the resulting elastic disturbances (waves) within the plates and lap joint are compared with measurements of SH wave generation and reception in lap joint specimens having different interfacial and cohesive bonding conditions.

Cross-talk between miR-471-5p and autophagy component proteins regulates LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) of apoptotic germ cells.

PubMed

Panneerdoss, Subbarayalu; Viswanadhapalli, Suryavathi; Abdelfattah, Nourhan; Onyeagucha, Benjamin C; Timilsina, Santosh; Mohammad, Tabrez A; Chen, Yidong; Drake, Michael; Vuori, Kristiina; Kumar, T Rajendra; Rao, Manjeet K

2017-09-19

Phagocytic clearance of apoptotic germ cells by Sertoli cells is vital for germ cell development and differentiation. Here, using a tissue-specific miRNA transgenic mouse model, we show that interaction between miR-471-5p and autophagy member proteins regulates clearance of apoptotic germ cells via LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP). Transgenic mice expressing miR-471-5p in Sertoli cells show increased germ cell apoptosis and compromised male fertility. Those effects are due to defective engulfment and impaired LAP-mediated clearance of apoptotic germ cells as miR-471-5p transgenic mice show lower levels of Dock180, LC3, Atg12, Becn1, Rab5 and Rubicon in Sertoli cells. Our results reveal that Dock180 interacts with autophagy member proteins to constitute a functional LC3-dependent phagocytic complex. We find that androgen regulates Sertoli cell phagocytosis by controlling expression of miR-471-5p and its target proteins. These findings suggest that recruitment of autophagy machinery is essential for efficient clearance of apoptotic germ cells by Sertoli cells using LAP.Although phagocytic clearance of apoptotic germ cells by Sertoli cells is essential for spermatogenesis, little of the mechanism is known. Here the authors show that Sertoli cells employ LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) by recruiting autophagy member proteins to clear apoptotic germ cells.

Performance determinants of fixed gear cycling during criteriums.

PubMed

Babault, Nicolas; Poisson, Maxime; Cimadoro, Guiseppe; Cometti, Carole; Païzis, Christos

2018-06-17

Nowadays, fixed gear competitions on outdoor circuits such as criteriums are regularly organized worldwide. To date, no study has investigated this alternative form of cycling. The purpose of the present study was to examine fixed gear performance indexes and to characterize physiological determinants of fixed gear cyclists. This study was carried out in two parts. Part 1 (n = 36) examined correlations between performance indexes obtained during a real fixed gear criterium (time trial, fastest laps, averaged lap time during races, fatigue indexes) and during a sprint track time trial. Part 2 (n = 9) examined correlations between the recorded performance indexes and some aerobic and anaerobic performance outputs (VO 2max , maximal aerobic power, knee extensor and knee flexor maximal voluntary torque, vertical jump height and performance during a modified Wingate test). Results from Part 1 indicated significant correlations between fixed gear final performance (i.e. average lap time during the finals) and single lap time (time trial, fastest lap during races and sprint track time trial). In addition, results from Part 2 revealed significant correlations between fixed gear performance and aerobic indicators (VO 2max and maximal aerobic power). However, no significant relationship was obtained between fixed gear cycling and anaerobic qualities such as strength. Similarly to traditional cycling disciplines, we concluded that fixed gear cycling is mainly limited by aerobic capacity, particularly criteriums final performance. However, specific skills including technical competency should be considered.

iLAP: a workflow-driven software for experimental protocol development, data acquisition and analysis

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background In recent years, the genome biology community has expended considerable effort to confront the challenges of managing heterogeneous data in a structured and organized way and developed laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for both raw and processed data. On the other hand, electronic notebooks were developed to record and manage scientific data, and facilitate data-sharing. Software which enables both, management of large datasets and digital recording of laboratory procedures would serve a real need in laboratories using medium and high-throughput techniques. Results We have developed iLAP (Laboratory data management, Analysis, and Protocol development), a workflow-driven information management system specifically designed to create and manage experimental protocols, and to analyze and share laboratory data. The system combines experimental protocol development, wizard-based data acquisition, and high-throughput data analysis into a single, integrated system. We demonstrate the power and the flexibility of the platform using a microscopy case study based on a combinatorial multiple fluorescence in situ hybridization (m-FISH) protocol and 3D-image reconstruction. iLAP is freely available under the open source license AGPL from http://genome.tugraz.at/iLAP/. Conclusion iLAP is a flexible and versatile information management system, which has the potential to close the gap between electronic notebooks and LIMS and can therefore be of great value for a broad scientific community. PMID:19941647

Applying Frequency-Domain Equalization to Code-Division Multiple Access and Transform-Domain Communications Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

terms the last time we spoke, I can say without a doubt that he was my favorite cousin. You are both missed, always.... I want to thank my wife for her...IEEE Communications Magazine, 50:S11–S15, September 2005. 3. Haker , M. E. Hardware Realization of a Transform Domain Communication Sys- tem. Master’s

Pipelined digital SAR azimuth correlator using hybrid FFT-transversal filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, C.; Liu, K. Y. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A synthetic aperture radar system (SAR) having a range correlator is provided with a hybrid azimuth correlator which utilizes a block-pipe-lined fast Fourier transform (FFT). The correlator has a predetermined FFT transform size with delay elements for delaying SAR range correlated data so as to embed in the Fourier transform operation a corner-turning function as the range correlated SAR data is converted from the time domain to a frequency domain. The azimuth correlator is comprised of a transversal filter to receive the SAR data in the frequency domain, a generator for range migration compensation and azimuth reference functions, and an azimuth reference multiplier for correlation of the SAR data. Following the transversal filter is a block-pipelined inverse FFT used to restore azimuth correlated data in the frequency domain to the time domain for imaging.

Business Education: Learning Activities Packet for Office Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawaii State Dept. of Education, Honolulu. Office of Instructional Services.

These seventeen individualized learning activities packets (LAPs) are intended to relate essential competencies needed for entry or advancement in office occupations to the secondary level office education program and to assist students in achieving occupational proficiency in business careers. Each LAP contains some or all of the following…

78 FR 38550 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-27

... skin just above certain lap splice locations is subject to widespread fatigue damage. This AD requires... necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could... skin just above certain lap splice locations is subject to widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing...

Learning Activity Package, Physical Science. LAP Numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, G. J.

These four units of the Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) for individualized instruction in physical science cover nuclear reactions, alpha and beta particles, atomic radiation, medical use of nuclear energy, fission, fusion, simple machines, Newton's laws of motion, electricity, currents, electromagnetism, Oersted's experiment, sound, light,…

Individualized Instruction in Science, Earth-Space Project, Self-Directed Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuczma, R. M.

As a supplement to Learning Activity Packages (LAP) of the earth-space project, this manual presents self-directed activities especially designed for individualized instruction. Besides an introduction to LAP characteristics, sets of instructions are given in connection with the metric system, the earth's dimensions, indirect evidence for atomic…

Learning Activity Package, Physical Science. LAP Numbers 5, 6, and 7.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, G. J.

These three units of the Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) for individualized instruction in physical science cover the physical and chemical properties of water, dehydration of crystals, solutions, acidity, strong and weak bases, neutral properties of salts, amorphous forms of carbon, hydrocarbons, and petroleum products. Each unit contains a…

How to Individualize Mathematics Successfully: With Materials for Implementation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vinskey, Mildred L.

Presented is a method for individualizing mathematics which utilizes the "Learning Activities Package" (LAP). LAP is a self-contained unit based on specific behavioral objectives which contains a pretest, a posttest, examples, explanations, and activities. The topics covered include but are not limited to: multiplication and division by powers of…

Learning Activity Package, Algebra 93-94, LAPs 12-22.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Diane

A set of 11 teacher-prepared Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) in beginning algebra, these units cover sets, properties of operations, operations over real numbers, open expressions, solution sets of equations and inequalities, equations and inequalities with two variables, solution sets of equations with two variables, exponents, factoring and…

Learning Activity Package, Physical Science. LAP Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, G. J.

These four units of the Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) for individualized instruction in physical science cover measuring techniques, operations of instruments, metric system heat, matter, energy, elements, atomic numbers, isotopes, molecules, mixtures, compounds, physical and chemical properties, liquids, solids, and gases. Each unit contains…

Occupational Orientation: Applied Biological and Agricultural Occupations. Experimental Curriculum Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Illinois State Office of Education, Springfield.

These experimental curriculum materials, from one of five clusters developed for the occupational orientation program in Illinois, include a series of learning activity packages (LAPs) designed to acquaint the student with the wide range of occupational choices available in the applied biological and agricultural occupations. The 30 LAPs, each…

Migratory Patterns of American Shad (Alosa Sapidissima) Revealed by Natural Geochemical Tags in Otoliths

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

cyanoacrylic glue. Mounted otoliths were ground to the midplane using fine-grained lapping film. Ground otoliths were examined for oxytetracycline marks...were mounted and ground to the midplane with fine-grained lapping film. Ground otoliths were examined for oxytetracycline marks under a UV light source

Computer Controlled Optical Surfacing With Orbital Tool Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Robert A.

1985-11-01

Asymmetric aspheric optical surfaces are very difficult to fabricate using classical techniques and laps the same size as the workpiece. Opticians can produce such surfaces by hand grinding and polishing, using small laps with orbital tool motion. However, this is a time consuming process unsuitable for large optical elements.

Learning Activity Package, Physical Science 92, LAPs 1-9.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, G. J.

This set of nine teacher-prepared Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) for individualized instruction in physical science covers the topics of scientific equipment and procedures; measure of time, length, area, and volume; water; oxygen and oxidation; atmospheric pressure; motion; machines; carbon; and light and sound. Each unit contains a rationale…

Individualized Instruction in Science, Time-Space-Matter, Self-Directed Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuczma, R. M.

As a supplement to Learning Activity Packages (LAP) on the time-space-matter subject, details are presented for self-directed activities. Major descriptions are given on the background of LAP characteristics, metric system, profile graph construction, spectroscope operation, radiant energy measurement, sunspot effects, density determination,…

The Carboxyl Terminus of v-Abl Protein Can Augment SH2 Domain Function

PubMed Central

Warren, David; Heilpern, Andrew J.; Berg, Kent; Rosenberg, Naomi

2000-01-01

Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) transforms NIH 3T3 and pre-B cells via expression of the v-Abl tyrosine kinase. Although the enzymatic activity of this molecule is absolutely required for transformation, other regions of the protein are also important for this response. Among these are the SH2 domain, involved in phosphotyrosine-dependent protein-protein interactions, and the long carboxyl terminus, which plays an important role in transformation of hematopoietic cells. Important signals are sent from each of these regions, and transformation is most likely orchestrated by the concerted action of these different parts of the protein. To explore this idea, we compared the ability of the v-Src SH2 domain to substitute for that of v-Abl in the full-length P120 v-Abl protein and in P70 v-Abl, a protein that lacks the carboxyl terminus characteristic of Abl family members. Ab-MLV strains expressing P70/S2 failed to transform NIH 3T3 cells and demonstrated a greatly reduced capacity to mediate signaling events associated with the Ras-dependent mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. In contrast, Ab-MLV strains expressing P120/S2 were indistinguishable from P120 with respect to these features. Analyses of additional mutants demonstrated that the last 162 amino acids of the carboxyl terminus were sufficient to restore transformation. These data demonstrate that an SH2 domain with v-Abl substrate specificity is required for NIH 3T3 transformation in the absence of the carboxyl terminus and suggest that cooperativity between the extreme carboxyl terminus and the SH2 domain facilitates the transmission of transforming signals via the MAP kinase pathway. PMID:10775585

Properties of an improved Gabor wavelet transform and its applications to seismic signal processing and interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Zhan-Huai; Yan, Sheng-Gang

2017-12-01

This paper presents an analytical study of the complete transform of improved Gabor wavelets (IGWs), and discusses its application to the processing and interpretation of seismic signals. The complete Gabor wavelet transform has the following properties. First, unlike the conventional transform, the improved Gabor wavelet transform (IGWT) maps time domain signals to the time-frequency domain instead of the time-scale domain. Second, the IGW's dominant frequency is fixed, so the transform can perform signal frequency division, where the dominant frequency components of the extracted sub-band signal carry essentially the same information as the corresponding components of the original signal, and the subband signal bandwidth can be regulated effectively by the transform's resolution factor. Third, a time-frequency filter consisting of an IGWT and its inverse transform can accurately locate target areas in the time-frequency field and perform filtering in a given time-frequency range. The complete IGW transform's properties are investigated using simulation experiments and test cases, showing positive results for seismic signal processing and interpretation, such as enhancing seismic signal resolution, permitting signal frequency division, and allowing small faults to be identified.

Feasibility of Home-Based Functional Status Assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Recovering From an Exacerbation.

PubMed

Valeiro, Beatriz; Hernández, Carme; Barberán-Garcia, Anael; Rodríguez, Diego A; Aibar, Jesús; Llop, Lourdes; Vilaró, Jordi

2016-05-01

The Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test (ADL-Test) is a reliable functional status measurement for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in a laboratory setting. We aimed to adapt the test to the home setting (mADL-Test) and to follow-up the functional status recovery of post-exacerbation COPD patients included in a home hospitalization (HH) program. We assessed 17 exacerbated moderate-to-very-severe COPD patients in 3 home visits: at discharge to HH (V0), 10days (V10post) and 1month after discharge (V30post). Patients completed the mADL-Test (laps, VO2 and VE), COPD assessment test (CAT), London Chest ADL Test (LCADL), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and upper limb strength (handgrip). The number of laps of the mADL-Test (4, 5 and 5, P<.05), CAT (19, 12 and 12, P<.01), mMRC (2, 1.5 and 1, P<.01) and the self-care domain of the LCADL (6, 5 and 5, P<.01) improved during follow-up (V0, V10post and V30post, respectively). No significant changes were evidenced in VO2, VE or handgrip. Our results suggest that the mADL-test can be performed in the home setting after a COPD exacerbation, and that functional status continues to improve 10days after discharge to HH. Copyright © 2015 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Cyclic debonding of adhesively bonded composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mall, S.; Johnson, W. S.; Everett, R. A., Jr.

1982-01-01

The fatigue behavior of a simple composite to composite bonded joint was analyzed. The cracked lap shear specimen subjected to constant amplitude cyclic loading was studied. Two specimen geometries were tested for each bonded system: (1) a strap adherend of 16 plies bonded to a lap adherend of 8 plies; and (2) a strap adherend of 8 plies bonded to a lap adherend of 16 plies. In all specimens the fatigue failure was in the form of cyclic debonding with some 0 deg fiber pull off from the strap adherend. The debond always grew in the region of adhesive that had the highest mode (peel) loading and that region was close to the adhesive strap interface.

Incorporation of ciprofloxacin/laponite in polycaprolactone electrospun nanofibers: drug release and antibacterial studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalwar, Kaleemullah; Zhang, Xuan; Aqeel Bhutto, Muhammad; Dali, Li; Shan, Dan

2017-12-01

Electrospun nanofibers with sustained drug release are a challenge but it can be improved by using hydrophobic polymer. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a hydrophobic and biocompatible polymer. In this work, we have proposed a drug release mechanism by preparation of ciprofloxacin (Cip)/Laponite (LAP) complex and then incorporation in PCL nanofibers through electrospinning technique. In addition, drug incorporation was confirmed by FTIR and morphology of electrospun nanofibers was revealed by SEM. Drug loading was measured by using spectrophotometer. PCL/LAP/Cip NFs proved sustained drug release as compared to PCL NFs and PCL/Cip NFs. Furthermore, PCL/LAP/Cip NFs were used as antimicrobial agent and higher effect measured.

Long term measurements of light absorbing particles on tropical glaciers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, C. G.; Sanchez Rodriguez, W.; Arnott, W. P.; All, J.; Schwarz, J. P.

2016-12-01

We present results of six years of measurements of light absorbing particles (LAP) on glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range in Peru. Tropical glaciers are important sources of water for human consumption, agriculture, and hydroelectric power in the region. Regular measurements in the dry season show that light absorbing particle concentrations are generally low (equivalent to the absorption equivalent of 5-30 nanograms of black carbon per gram of snow) during non-El Nino years while values increase substantially during the recent El Nino. Two years of monthly measurements at two glaciers show that fresh snow LAP concentration are very low while LAP levels increase dramatically during snow-less periods.

Development of a Computer-Controlled Polishing Process for X-Ray Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Gufran S.; Gubarev, Mikhail; Arnold, William; Ramsey, Brian

2009-01-01

The future X-ray observatory missions require grazing-incidence x-ray optics with angular resolution of < 5 arcsec half-power diameter. The achievable resolution depends ultimately on the quality of polished mandrels from which the shells are replicated. With an aim to fabricate better shells, and reduce the cost/time of mandrel production, a computer-controlled polishing machine is developed for deterministic and localized polishing of mandrels. Cylindrical polishing software is also developed that predicts the surface residual errors under a given set of operating parameters and lap configuration. Design considerations of the polishing lap are discussed and the effects of nonconformance of the lap and the mandrel are presented.

Application of Time-Frequency Domain Transform to Three-Dimensional Interpolation of Medical Images.

PubMed

Lv, Shengqing; Chen, Yimin; Li, Zeyu; Lu, Jiahui; Gao, Mingke; Lu, Rongrong

2017-11-01

Medical image three-dimensional (3D) interpolation is an important means to improve the image effect in 3D reconstruction. In image processing, the time-frequency domain transform is an efficient method. In this article, several time-frequency domain transform methods are applied and compared in 3D interpolation. And a Sobel edge detection and 3D matching interpolation method based on wavelet transform is proposed. We combine wavelet transform, traditional matching interpolation methods, and Sobel edge detection together in our algorithm. What is more, the characteristics of wavelet transform and Sobel operator are used. They deal with the sub-images of wavelet decomposition separately. Sobel edge detection 3D matching interpolation method is used in low-frequency sub-images under the circumstances of ensuring high frequency undistorted. Through wavelet reconstruction, it can get the target interpolation image. In this article, we make 3D interpolation of the real computed tomography (CT) images. Compared with other interpolation methods, our proposed method is verified to be effective and superior.

Global boundary flattening transforms for acoustic propagation under rough sea surfaces.

PubMed

Oba, Roger M

2010-07-01

This paper introduces a conformal transform of an acoustic domain under a one-dimensional, rough sea surface onto a domain with a flat top. This non-perturbative transform can include many hundreds of wavelengths of the surface variation. The resulting two-dimensional, flat-topped domain allows direct application of any existing, acoustic propagation model of the Helmholtz or wave equation using transformed sound speeds. Such a transform-model combination applies where the surface particle velocity is much slower than sound speed, such that the boundary motion can be neglected. Once the acoustic field is computed, the bijective (one-to-one and onto) mapping permits the field interpolation in terms of the original coordinates. The Bergstrom method for inverse Riemann maps determines the transform by iterated solution of an integral equation for a surface matching term. Rough sea surface forward scatter test cases provide verification of the method using a particular parabolic equation model of the Helmholtz equation.

Fourier transform of delayed fluorescence as an indicator of herbicide concentration.

PubMed

Guo, Ya; Tan, Jinglu

2014-12-21

It is well known that delayed fluorescence (DF) from Photosystem II (PSII) of plant leaves can be potentially used to sense herbicide pollution and evaluate the effect of herbicides on plant leaves. The research of using DF as a measure of herbicides in the literature was mainly conducted in time domain and qualitative correlation was often obtained. Fourier transform is often used to analyze signals. Viewing DF signal in frequency domain through Fourier transform may allow separation of signal components and provide a quantitative method for sensing herbicides. However, there is a lack of an attempt to use Fourier transform of DF as an indicator of herbicide. In this work, the relationship between the Fourier transform of DF and herbicide concentration was theoretically modelled and analyzed, which immediately yielded a quantitative method to measure herbicide concentration in frequency domain. Experiments were performed to validate the developed method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A study on multiresolution lossless video coding using inter/intra frame adaptive prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakachi, Takayuki; Sawabe, Tomoko; Fujii, Tetsuro

2003-06-01

Lossless video coding is required in the fields of archiving and editing digital cinema or digital broadcasting contents. This paper combines a discrete wavelet transform and adaptive inter/intra-frame prediction in the wavelet transform domain to create multiresolution lossless video coding. The multiresolution structure offered by the wavelet transform facilitates interchange among several video source formats such as Super High Definition (SHD) images, HDTV, SDTV, and mobile applications. Adaptive inter/intra-frame prediction is an extension of JPEG-LS, a state-of-the-art lossless still image compression standard. Based on the image statistics of the wavelet transform domains in successive frames, inter/intra frame adaptive prediction is applied to the appropriate wavelet transform domain. This adaptation offers superior compression performance. This is achieved with low computational cost and no increase in additional information. Experiments on digital cinema test sequences confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

In-situ visualization of stress-dependent bulk magnetic domain formation by neutron grating interferometry

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

Betz, B.; École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, NXMM Laboratory, IMX, CH-1015 Lausanne; Rauscher, P.

The performance and degree of efficiency of industrial transformers are directly influenced by the magnetic properties of high-permeability steel laminations (HPSLs). Industrial transformer cores are built of stacks of single HPSLs. While the insulating coating on each HPSL reduces eddy-current losses in the transformer core, the coating also induces favorable inter-granular tensile stresses that significantly influence the underlying magnetic domain structure. Here, we show that the neutron dark-field image can be used to analyze the influence of the coating on the volume and supplementary surface magnetic domain structures. To visualize the stress effect of the coating on the bulk domainmore » formation, we used an uncoated HPSL and stepwise increased the applied external tensile stress up to 20 MPa. We imaged the domain configuration of the intermediate stress states and were able to reproduce the original domain structure of the coated state. Furthermore, we were able to visualize how the applied stresses lead to a refinement of the volume domain structure and the suppression and reoccurrence of supplementary domains.« less

Electrophysiological Indices of Brain Activity to Content and Function Words in Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neumann, Yael; Epstein, Baila; Shafer, Valerie L.

2016-01-01

Background: An increase in positivity of event-related potentials (ERPs) at the lateral anterior sites has been hypothesized to be an index of semantic and discourse processing, with the right lateral anterior positivity (LAP) showing particular sensitivity to discourse factors. However, the research investigating the LAP is limited; it is unclear…

Effect of realistic vehicle seats, cushion length, and lap belt geometry on child ATD kinematics.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

This series of sled tests examined the effect of using real vehicle seats on child ATD performance. Cushion length was varied from production length of 450 mm to a shorter length of 350 mm. Lap belt geometry was set to rear, mid, and forward anchorag...

The Introduction of Crystallographic Concepts Using Lap-Dissolve Slide Techniques.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bodner, George M.; And Others

1980-01-01

Describes a method using lap-dissolve slide techniques with two or more slide projectors focused on a single screen for presenting visual effects that show structural features in extended arrays of atoms, or ions involving up to several hundred atoms. Presents an outline of an introduction to the structures of crystalline solids. (CS)

Multi-Image or Lap-Dissolve Slide Techniques and Visual Images in the Large Lecture Section.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bodner, George M.; And Others

1984-01-01

Advantages and disadvantages of using multi-image or lap-dissolve (LD) slide techniques in large lecture sections are discussed. Production, use, and evaluation of LD programs are also discussed. Indicates that these programs are an effective way of improving instruction on visually oriented topics. (JN)

Multimodality CT/SPECT Evaluation of Micelle Drug Carriers for Treatment of Breast Tumors

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

lap diffusion, Dh and Df, were then calculated using non-linear least squares parameter estimation ( Matlab 7.1). Dh and Df were estimated using release... entanglement serves as a much greater impediment to drug transport. 3.4. Mechanism of action of cell death induced by β-lap micelles Growth assays

Learning Activity Packets for Auto Mechanics II. Section A--Engine Rebuilding.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

Eight learning activity packets (LAPs) are provided for the instructional area of engine rebuilding in the auto mechanics II program. They accompany an instructor's guide available separately. The LAPs outline the study activities and performance tasks for these eight units: (1) engine condition evaluation; (2) engine removal; (3) engine…

Learning Activity Packets for Auto Mechanics II. Section B--Electrical Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

Six learning activity packets (LAPs) are provided for the instructional area of electrical systems in the auto mechanics II program. They accompany an instructor's guide available separately. The LAPs outline the study activities and performance tasks for these six units: (1) basic electrical theory, (2) battery service, (3) starting system, (4)…

Laparoscopic virtual reality and box trainers: is one superior to the other?

PubMed

Munz, Y; Kumar, B D; Moorthy, K; Bann, S; Darzi, A

2004-03-01

Virtual reality (VR) simulators now have the potential to replace traditional methods of laparoscopic training. The aim of this study was to compare the VR simulator with the classical box trainer and determine whether one has advantages over the other. Twenty four novices were tested to determine their baseline laparoscopic skills and then randomized into the following three group: LapSim, box trainer, and no training (control). After 3 weekly training sessions lasting 30-min each, all subjects were reassessed. Assessment included motion analysis and error scores. Nonparametric tests were applied, and p < 0.05 was deemed significant. Both trained groups made significant improvements in all parameters measured ( p < 0.05). Compared to the controls, the box trainer group performed significantly better on most of the parameters, whereas the LapSim group performed significantly better on some parameters. There were no significant differences between the LapSim and box trainer groups. LapSim is effective in teaching skills that are transferable to a real laparoscopic task. However, there appear to be no substantial advantages of one system over the other.

Assessing the learning curve for the acquisition of laparoscopic skills on a virtual reality simulator.

PubMed

Sherman, V; Feldman, L S; Stanbridge, D; Kazmi, R; Fried, G M

2005-05-01

The aim of this study was to develop summary metrics and assess the construct validity for a virtual reality laparoscopic simulator (LapSim) by comparing the learning curves of three groups with different levels of laparoscopic expertise. Three groups of subjects ('expert', 'junior', and 'naïve') underwent repeated trials on three LapSim tasks. Formulas were developed to calculate scores for efficiency ('time-error') and economy of 'motion' ('motion') using metrics generated by the software after each drill. Data (mean +/- SD) were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance was set at p < 0.05. All three groups improved significantly from baseline to final for both 'time-error' and 'motion' scores. There were significant differences between groups in time error performances at baseline and final, due to higher scores in the 'expert' group. A significant difference in 'motion' scores was seen only at baseline. We have developed summary metrics for the LapSim that differentiate among levels of laparoscopic experience. This study also provides evidence of construct validity for the LapSim.

Conventional box model training improves laparoscopic skills during salpingectomy on LapSim: a randomized trial.

PubMed

Akdemir, Ali; Ergenoğlu, Ahmet Mete; Yeniel, Ahmet Özgür; Sendağ, Fatih

2013-01-01

Box model trainers have been used for many years to facilitate the improvement of laparoscopic skills. However, there are limited data available on box trainers and their impact on skill acquisition, assessed by virtual reality systems. Twenty-two Postgraduate Year 1 gynecology residents with no laparoscopic experience were randomly divided into one group that received structured box model training and a control group. All residents performed a salpingectomy on LapSim before and after the training. Performances before and after the training were assessed using LapSim and were recorded using objective parameters, registered by a computer system (time, damage, and economy of motion scores). There were initially no differences between the two groups. The box trainer group showed significantly greater improvement in time (p=0.01) and economy of motion scores (p=0.001) compared with the control group post-training. The present study confirmed the positive effect of low cost box model training on laparoscopic skill acquisition as assessed using LapSim. Novice surgeons should obtain practice on box trainers and teaching centers should make efforts to establish training laboratories.

[Safety and structural analysis of polymers produced in manufacturing process of alpha-lipoic acid].

PubMed

Shimoda, Hiroshi; Tanaka, Junji; Seki, Azusa; Honda, Haruya; Akaogi, Seiichiro; Komatsubara, Hirobumi; Suzuki, Nobuo; Kameyama, Mayumi; Tamura, Satoru; Murakami, Nobutoshi

2007-10-01

Alpha-Lipoic acid has recently been permitted for use in foodstuffs and is contained in tablets and capsules. Although alpha-lipoic acid is synthesized from adipic acid, the safety of polymers produced during the purification and drying processes has been an issue of concern. Hence, we examined the safety profiles of thermally denatured polymer (LAP-A) and ethanol-denatured polymer (LAP-B) produced in the manufacturing process of alpha-lipoic acid. Furthermore, we conducted structural analysis of these polymers by 1H-NMR and FAB-MS spectroscopy. In a consecutive ingestion test, male and female mice ingested diet containing 0.1 and 0.2% LAP-A and -B for 4 weeks. Blood uric acid, potassium and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tended to increase without dose-dependency. Relative liver weights were also increased. However, male dogs that were orally administered LAP-B (500 mg/kg) once did not show any abnormalities in blood parameters or general condition. These findings indicate that alpha-lipoic acid polymers are not acutely toxic; however, chronic ingestion of these polymers may affect liver and kidney functions.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs: comparison between laparoendoscopic single-site and three-portal access

PubMed Central

Díaz-Güemes Martin-Portugués, Idoia; Fresno Bermejo, Laura; Sánchez-Margallo, Francisco Miguel

2015-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic safety of laparoendoscopic single-site ovariectomy (LESS-OVE) and 3-portal laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap-OVE) in dogs. Ten female mixed breed dogs were included in the study. Dogs were divided into group 1 (LESS-OVE; n = 5) and group 2 (Lap-OVE; n = 5). All procedures were performed by laparoscopic-skilled surgeons, and the anesthetic protocol was the same for all patients. In both groups, the ovarian vascular pedicle and ligaments were transected using a bipolar vessel sealer/divider device. The mean total surgical time was slightly longer in LESS-OVE (36.6 ± 3.5 min) than Lap-OVE (32.0 ± 3.0 min); however, the differences were not significant. Perioperative complications were not reported in any group. Both laparoscopic techniques were shown to be equally feasible and safe for patients. However, surgeons found LESS-OVE to require more skill than Lap-OVE. Therefore, additional studies should be conducted to evaluate this novel approach in clinical veterinary practice, and a proper laparoscopic training program for veterinary surgeons should be developed. PMID:26119164

Heterogeneous Face Attribute Estimation: A Deep Multi-Task Learning Approach.

PubMed

Han, Hu; K Jain, Anil; Shan, Shiguang; Chen, Xilin

2017-08-10

Face attribute estimation has many potential applications in video surveillance, face retrieval, and social media. While a number of methods have been proposed for face attribute estimation, most of them did not explicitly consider the attribute correlation and heterogeneity (e.g., ordinal vs. nominal and holistic vs. local) during feature representation learning. In this paper, we present a Deep Multi-Task Learning (DMTL) approach to jointly estimate multiple heterogeneous attributes from a single face image. In DMTL, we tackle attribute correlation and heterogeneity with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) consisting of shared feature learning for all the attributes, and category-specific feature learning for heterogeneous attributes. We also introduce an unconstrained face database (LFW+), an extension of public-domain LFW, with heterogeneous demographic attributes (age, gender, and race) obtained via crowdsourcing. Experimental results on benchmarks with multiple face attributes (MORPH II, LFW+, CelebA, LFWA, and FotW) show that the proposed approach has superior performance compared to state of the art. Finally, evaluations on a public-domain face database (LAP) with a single attribute show that the proposed approach has excellent generalization ability.

Application of lap laser welding technology on stainless steel railway vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongxiao; Wang, Chunsheng; He, Guangzhong; Li, Wei; Liu, Liguo

2016-10-01

Stainless steel railway vehicles with so many advantages, such as lightweight, antirust, low cost of maintenance and simple manufacturing process, so the production of high level stainless steel railway vehicles has become the development strategy of European, American and other developed nations. The current stainless steel railway vehicles body and structure are usually assembled by resistance spot welding process. The weak points of this process are the poor surface quality and bad airtight due to the pressure of electrodes. In this study, the partial penetration lap laser welding process was investigated to resolve the problems, by controlling the laser to stop at the second plate in the appropriate penetration. The lap laser welding joint of stainless steel railway vehicle car body with partial penetration has higher strength and surface quality than those of resistance spot welding joint. The biggest problem of lap laser welding technology is to find the balance of the strength and surface quality with different penetrations. The mechanism of overlap laser welding of stainless steel, mechanical tests, microstructure analysis, the optimization of welding parameters, analysis of fatigue performance, the design of laser welding stainless steel railway vehicles structure and the development of non-destructive testing technology were systematically studied before lap laser welding process to be applied in manufacture of railway vehicles. The results of the experiments and study show that high-quality surface state and higher fatigue strength can be achieved by the partial penetration overlap laser welding of the side panel structure, and the structure strength of the car body can be higher than the requirements of En12663, the standard of structural requirements of railway vehicles bodies. Our company has produced the stainless steel subway and high way railway vehicles by using overlap laser welding technology. The application of lap laser welding will be a big change of railway vehicles manufacturing technology.

Validity and Reliability of an on-Court Fitness Test for Assessing and Monitoring Aerobic Fitness in Squash.

PubMed

James, Carl Alexander; Vallejo, Florencio Tenllado; Kantebeen, Melvin; Farra, Saro

2018-02-14

Current on-court assessments of aerobic fitness in squash are not designed to yield a wealth of physiological data. Moreover, tests may require complex computer equipment or involve simulated racket strokes, which are difficult to standardize at high intensities. This study investigated the validity and reliability of a squash-specific fitness test which can yield both a standalone performance score, as well as pertinent physiological markers such as V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, the lactate turnpoint and oxygen cost, in a sport-specific environment. Eight national squash players completed three tests in a counter-balanced order; an incremental laboratory treadmill test (LAB) and two on-court fitness tests (ST) that involved repeated shuttle runs at increasing speeds. V[Combining Dot Above]O2max during ST was agreeable with LAB (Typical error [TE]=3.3 mL.kg.min, r=0.79). The mean bias between LAB and ST was 2.5 mL.kg.min. There were no differences in maximum heart rate, post exercise blood lactate concentration or end of test RPE between LAB and ST (p>0.05). The ST was highly reliable, with 74 (10) laps completed in ST1 and 75 (12) laps in ST2 (mean bias=1 lap, TE=3 laps, r=0.97). Physiological markers were also reliable, including V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, (TE=1.5 mL.kg.min, r=0.95), the lap number at 4 mMol (TE=4 laps, r=0.77) and average VO2 across the first 4 stages (TE=0.94 mL.kg.min, r=0.95). We observed good agreement between LAB and ST for assessing V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and between both on-court trials for assessing test performance and selected physiological markers. Consequently, we recommend this test for monitoring training adaptations and prescribing individualized training in elite squash players.

Symptomatic and neuroprotective effects following activation of nigral group III metabotropic glutamate receptors in rodent models of Parkinson's disease

PubMed Central

Austin, PJ; Betts, MJ; Broadstock, M; O'Neill, MJ; Mitchell, SN; Duty, S

2010-01-01

Background and purpose: Increased glutamatergic innervation of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) and pars compacta (SNpc) may contribute to the motor deficits and neurodegeneration, respectively, in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to establish whether activation of pre-synaptic group III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors reduced glutamate release in the SN, and provided symptomatic or neuroprotective relief in animal models of PD. Experimental approach: Broad-spectrum group III mGlu receptor agonists, O-phospho-l-serine (l-SOP) and l-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (l-AP4), were assessed for their ability to inhibit KCl-evoked [3H]-d-aspartate release in rat nigral prisms or inhibit KCl-evoked endogenous glutamate release in the SNpr in vivo using microdialysis. Reversal of akinesia in reserpine-treated rats was assessed following intranigral injection of l-SOP and l-AP4. Finally, the neuroprotective effect of 7 days' supra-nigral treatment with l-AP4 was examined in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. Key results: l-SOP and l-AP4 inhibited [3H]-d-aspartate release by 33 and 44% respectively. These effects were blocked by the selective group III mGlu antagonist (RS)-α-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (CPPG). l-SOP also reduced glutamate release in the SNpr in vivo by 48%. Injection of l-SOP and l-AP4 into the SNpr reversed reserpine-induced akinesia. Following administration above the SNpc, l-AP4 provided neurochemical, histological and functional protection against 6-OHDA lesion of the nigrostriatal tract. Pretreatment with CPPG inhibited these effects. Conclusions and implications: These findings highlight group III mGlu receptors in the SN as potential targets for providing both symptomatic and neuroprotective relief in PD, and indicate that inhibition of glutamate release in the SN may underlie these effects. PMID:20649576

Research on the transformation mechanism of graphite phase and microstructure in the heated region of gray cast iron by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yancong; Zhan, Xianghua; Yi, Peng; Liu, Tuo; Liu, Benliang; Wu, Qiong

2018-03-01

A double-track lap cladding experiment involving gray cast iron was established to investigate the transformation mechanism of graphite phase and microstructure in a laser cladding heated region. The graphite phase and microstructure in different heated regions were observed under a microscope, and the distribution of elements in various heated regions was analyzed using an electron probe. Results show that no graphite existed in the cladding layer and in the middle and upper parts of the binding region. Only some of the undissolved small graphite were observed at the bottom of the binding region. Except the refined graphite size, the morphological characteristics of substrate graphite and graphite in the heat-affected zone were similar. Some eutectic clusters, which grew along the direction of heat flux, were observed in the heat-affected zone whose microstructure was transformed into a mixture of austenite, needle-like martensite, and flake graphite. Needle-like martensite around graphite was fine, but this martensite became sparse and coarse when it was away from graphite. Some martensite clusters appeared in the local area near the binding region, and the carbon atoms in the substrate did not diffuse into the cladding layer through laser cladding, which only affected the bonding area and the bottom of the cladding layer.

Validating the Western Trauma Association algorithm for managing patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds: a Western Trauma Association multicenter trial.

PubMed

Biffl, Walter L; Kaups, Krista L; Pham, Tam N; Rowell, Susan E; Jurkovich, Gregory J; Burlew, Clay Cothren; Elterman, J; Moore, Ernest E

2011-12-01

The optimal management of stable patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASWs) remains a matter of debate. A recent Western Trauma Association (WTA) multicenter trial found that exclusion of peritoneal penetration by local wound exploration (LWE) allowed immediate discharge (D/C) of 41% of patients with AASWs. Performance of computed tomography (CT) scanning or diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) did not improve the D/C rate; however, these tests led to nontherapeutic (NONTHER) laparotomy (LAP) in 24% and 31% of cases, respectively. An algorithm was proposed that included LWE, followed by either D/C or admission for serial clinical assessments, without further imaging or invasive testing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the algorithm in providing timely interventions for significant injuries. A multicenter, institutional review board-approved study enrolled patients with AASWs. Management was guided by the WTA AASW algorithm. Data on the presentation, evaluation, and clinical course were recorded prospectively. Two hundred twenty-two patients (94% men, age, 34.7 years ± 0.3 years) were enrolled. Sixty-two (28%) had immediate LAP, of which 87% were therapeutic (THER). Three (1%) died and the mean length of stay (LOS) was 6.9 days. One hundred sixty patients were stable and asymptomatic, and 81 of them (51%) were managed entirely per protocol. Twenty (25%) were D/C'ed from the emergency department after (-) LWE, and 11 (14%) were taken to the operating room (OR) for LAP when their clinical condition changed. Two (2%) of the protocol group underwent NONTHER LAP, and no patient experienced morbidity or mortality related to delay in treatment. Seventy-nine (49%) patients had deviations from protocol. There were 47 CT scans, 11 DPLs, and 9 laparoscopic explorations performed. In addition to the laparoscopic procedures, 38 (48%) patients were taken to the OR based on test results rather than a change in the patient's clinical condition; 17 (45%) of these patients had a NONTHER LAP. Eighteen (23%) patients were D/C'ed from the emergency department. The LOS was no different among patients who had immediate or delayed LAP. Mean LOS after NONTHER LAP was 3.6 days ± 0.8 days. The WTA proposed algorithm is designed for cost-effectiveness. Serial clinical assessments can be performed without the added expense of CT, DPL, or laparoscopy. Patients requiring LAP generally manifest early in their course, and there does not appear to be any morbidity related to a delay to OR. These data validate this approach and should be confirmed in a larger number of patients to more convincingly evaluate the algorithm's safety and cost-effectiveness compared with other approaches.

Lamination effects on a 3D model of the magnetic core of power transformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poveda-Lerma, Antonio; Serrano-Callergues, Guillermo; Riera-Guasp, Martin; Pineda-Sanchez, Manuel; Puche-Panadero, Ruben; Perez-Cruz, Juan

2017-12-01

In this paper the lamination effect on the model of a power transformer's core with stacked E-I structure is analyzed. The distribution of the magnetic flux in the laminations depends on the stacking method. In this work it is shown, using a 3D FEM model and an experimental prototype, that the non-uniform distribution of the flux in a laminated E-I core with alternate-lap joint stack increases substantially the average value of the magnetic flux density in the core, compared with a butt joint stack. Both the simulated model and the experimental tests show that the presence of constructive air-gaps in the E-I junctions gives rise to a zig-zag flux in the depth direction. This inter-lamination flux reduces the magnetic flux density in the I-pieces and increases substantially the magnetic flux density in the E-pieces, with highly saturated points that traditional 2D analysis cannot reproduce. The relation between the number of laminations included in the model, and the computational resourses needed to build it, is also evaluated in this work.

75 FR 68664 - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Child Restraint Systems; Booster Seat Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-08

... early graduation from booster seats to lap and shoulder belts. Estimates are computed by double-pair... 3-4-year-olds there is evidence of increased risk of injury when restrained in booster seats rather.... Among 4-8-year-olds there is strong evidence of increased risk of injury when restrained by lap and...

Welcome to Lotus 1-2-3 Advanced. Learning Activity Packets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Steven; And Others

This learning activity packet (LAP) contains five self-paced study lessons that allow students to study advanced concepts of Lotus 1-2-3 at their own pace. The lessons used in the LAP are organized in the following way: lesson name, lesson number, objectives, completion standard, performance standard, required materials, unit test, and exercises.…

NASA Cold Land Processes Experiment (CLPX 2002/03): Atmospheric analyses datasets

Treesearch

Glen E. Liston; Daniel L. Birkenheuer; Christopher A. Hiemstra; Donald W. Cline; Kelly Elder

2008-01-01

This paper describes the Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) and the 20-km horizontal grid version of the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC20) atmospheric analyses datasets, which are available as part of the Cold Land Processes Field Experiment (CLPX) data archive. The LAPS dataset contains spatially and temporally continuous atmospheric and surface variables over...

How to Start Your Own Business. Women Entrepreneurs Project. Instructional Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCaslin, Barbara S.; McNamara, Patricia P.

This text consisting of eight learning activities packages (LAP's) was developed during the California Women Entrepreneurs Project for use in a course designed to help women entrepreneurs learn how to start their own small business. The LAP's included here are self-paced, student-centered modules which take the learner step by step through the…

77 FR 66757 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-07

... tear straps and in the skin locations common to the tear straps. Additionally, we received a report of... cracking in the lap joint fastener row between tear straps of the crown lap and do a detailed inspection of...-53A1255, Revision 2, dated August 7, 2012. (j) Optional Inspections for Tear Strap Locations Only As an...

Disk Operating System--DOS. Teacher Packet. Learning Activity Packets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Dept. of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

The Learning Activity Packets (LAPs) contained in this manual are designed to assist the beginning user in understanding DOS (Disk Operating System). LAPs will not work with any version below DOS Version 3.0 and do not address the enhanced features of versions 4.0 or higher. These elementary activities cover only the DOS commands necessary to…

76 FR 53102 - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Denial of Petition for Rulemaking; School Buses

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-25

... chronological order): Studies NTSB, 1987 In 1987, the NTSB reported on its investigation of forty-three post... seat belts by using the sled test data obtained from NHTSA's 2002 school bus safety study. For... incorporate test procedures to test lap/shoulder belts in small school buses and voluntarily-installed lap...

Improving Critical Thinking Skills Using Learning Model Logan Avenue Problem Solving (LAPS)-Heuristic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anggrianto, Desi; Churiyah, Madziatul; Arief, Mohammad

2016-01-01

This research was conducted in order to know the effect of Logan Avenue Problem Solving (LAPS)-Heuristic learning model towards critical thinking skills of students of class X Office Administration (APK) in SMK Negeri 1 Ngawi, East Java, Indonesia on material curve and equilibrium of demand and supply, subject Introduction to Economics and…

Highly Flexible and Planar Supercapacitors Using Graphite Flakes/Polypyrrole in Polymer Lapping Film.

PubMed

Raj, C Justin; Kim, Byung Chul; Cho, Won-Je; Lee, Won-gil; Jung, Sang-Don; Kim, Yong Hee; Park, Sang Yeop; Yu, Kook Hyun

2015-06-24

Flexible supercapacitor electrodes have been fabricated by simple fabrication technique using graphite nanoflakes on polymer lapping films as flexible substrate. An additional thin layer of conducting polymer polypyrrole over the electrode improved the surface conductivity and exhibited excellent electrochemical performances. Such capacitor films showed better energy density and power density with a maximum capacitance value of 37 mF cm(-2) in a half cell configuration using 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte, 23 mF cm(-2) in full cell, and 6 mF cm(-2) as planar cell configuration using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solid state electrolyte. Moreover, the graphite nanoflakes/polypyrrole over polymer lapping film demonstrated good flexibility and cyclic stability.

Ground based experiments on the growth and characterization of L-Arginine Phosphate (LAP) crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, S. M.; Cao, C.; Batra, A. K.; Lal, R. B.; Mookherji, T. K.

1991-01-01

L-Arginine Phosphate (LAP) is a new nonlinear optical material with higher efficiency for harmonic generation compared to KDP. Crystals of LAP were grown in the laboratory from supersaturated solutions by temperature lowering technique. Investigations revealed the presence of large dislocation densities inside the crystals which are observed to produce refractive index changes causing damage at high laser powers. This is a result of the convection during crystal growth from supersaturated solutions. It is proposed to grow these crystals in a diffusion controlled growth condition under microgravity environment and compare the crystals grown in space with those grown on ground. Physical properties of the solutions needed for modelling of crystal growth are also presented.

Application of statistical methods to reveal and remove the causes of welding of coil laps upon annealing of cold-rolled steel strips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garber, E. A.; Diligenskii, E. V.; Antonov, P. V.; Shalaevskii, D. L.; Dyatlov, I. A.

2017-09-01

The factors of the process of production of cold-rolled steel strips that promote and hinder the appearance of a coil lap welding defect upon annealing in bell-type furnaces are analyzed using statistical methods. The works dealing with this problem are analytically reviewed to reveal the problems to be studied and refined. The ranking of the technological factors according to the significance of their influence on the probability of appearance of this defect is determined and supported by industrial data, and a regression equation is derived to calculate this probability. The process of production is improved to minimize the rejection of strips caused by the welding of coil laps.

Adhesive evaluation of LARC-TPI and a water-soluble version of LARC-TPI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Progar, D. J.

1985-01-01

The results of a study to evaluate two Langley Research Center thermoplastic polimide (TPI) materials, identified as TPI/MTC for the material from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals Inc. and TPI/H2O for the material from United Technologies Research Center, as high temperature thermoplastic adhesives and primers for bonding titanium (6AL-4V) adherends are discussed. A limited characterization of the materials was performed using a Diffuse Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DR-FTIR) technique. Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) and torsional braid techniques were used to determine glass transition temperature. The adhesive's strength, as determined by simple lap shear tests, as used to evaluate the effects of long term thermal exposure (up to 1000 hrs) at 204 deg C and a 72-hour water-boil.

Optical and microwave detection using Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grabow, B. E.; Sova, R. M.; Boone, B. G.; Moorjani, K.; Kim, B. F.; Bohandy, J.; Adrian, F.; Green, W. J.

1990-01-01

Recent progress at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) in the development of optical and microwave detectors using high temperature superconducting thin films is described. Several objectives of this work have been accomplished, including: deposition of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin films by laser abation processing (LAP); development of thin film patterning techniques, including in situ masking, wet chemical etching and laser patterning; measurements of bolometric and non-bolometric signatures in patterned Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films using optical and microwave sources, respectively; analysis and design of an optimized bolometer through computer simulation, and investigation of its use in a Fourier transform spectrometer. The focus here is primarily on results from the measurement of the bolometric and non-bolometric response.

Optical and microwave detection using Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grabow, B. E.; Sova, R. M.; Boone, B. G.; Moorjani, K.; Kim, B. F.; Bohandy, J.; Adrian, F.; Green, W. J.

1991-01-01

Recent progress at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) in the development of optical and microwave detectors using high temperature superconducting thin films is described. Several objectives of this work have been accomplished, including: deposition of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O thin films by laser abation processing (LAP); development of thin film patterning techniques, including in situ masking, wet chemical etching, and laser patterning; measurements of bolometric and non-bolometric signatures in patterned Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O films using optical and microwave sources, respectively; analysis and design of an optimized bolometer through computer simulation; and investigation of its use in a Fourier transform spectrometer. The focus here is primarily on results from the measurement of the bolometric and non-bolometric response.

Deblending using an improved apex-shifted hyperbolic radon transform based on the Stolt migration operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Xiangbo; Feng, Fei; Jiao, Xuming; Wang, Shengchao

2017-10-01

Simultaneous seismic source separation, also known as deblending, is an essential process for blended acquisition. With the assumption that the blending noise is coherent in the common shot domain but is incoherent in other domains, traditional deblending methods are commonly performed in the common receiver, common midpoint or common offset domain. In this paper, we propose an improved apex-shifted hyperbolic radon transform (ASHRT) to deblend directly in the common shot domain. A time-axis stretch strategy named Stolt-stretch is introduced to overcome the limitation of the constant velocity assumption of Stolt-based operators. To improve the sparsity in the transform domain, a total variation (TV) norm inversion is implemented to enhance the energy convergence in the radon panel. Because of highly efficient Stolt migration and the demigration operator in the frequency-wavenumber domain, as well as the flexible geometry condition of the source-receiver, this approach is quite suitable for quality control (QC) during streamer acquisition. The synthetic and field examples demonstrate that our proposition is robust and efficient.

Equivalence of linear canonical transform domains to fractional Fourier domains and the bicanonical width product: a generalization of the space-bandwidth product.

PubMed

Oktem, Figen S; Ozaktas, Haldun M

2010-08-01

Linear canonical transforms (LCTs) form a three-parameter family of integral transforms with wide application in optics. We show that LCT domains correspond to scaled fractional Fourier domains and thus to scaled oblique axes in the space-frequency plane. This allows LCT domains to be labeled and ordered by the corresponding fractional order parameter and provides insight into the evolution of light through an optical system modeled by LCTs. If a set of signals is highly confined to finite intervals in two arbitrary LCT domains, the space-frequency (phase space) support is a parallelogram. The number of degrees of freedom of this set of signals is given by the area of this parallelogram, which is equal to the bicanonical width product but usually smaller than the conventional space-bandwidth product. The bicanonical width product, which is a generalization of the space-bandwidth product, can provide a tighter measure of the actual number of degrees of freedom, and allows us to represent and process signals with fewer samples.

Simultaneous storage of medical images in the spatial and frequency domain: a comparative study.

PubMed

Nayak, Jagadish; Bhat, P Subbanna; Acharya U, Rajendra; Uc, Niranjan

2004-06-05

Digital watermarking is a technique of hiding specific identification data for copyright authentication. This technique is adapted here for interleaving patient information with medical images, to reduce storage and transmission overheads. The patient information is encrypted before interleaving with images to ensure greater security. The bio-signals are compressed and subsequently interleaved with the image. This interleaving is carried out in the spatial domain and Frequency domain. The performance of interleaving in the spatial, Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) coefficients is studied. Differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) is employed for data compression as well as encryption and results are tabulated for a specific example. It can be seen from results, the process does not affect the picture quality. This is attributed to the fact that the change in LSB of a pixel changes its brightness by 1 part in 256. Spatial and DFT domain interleaving gave very less %NRMSE as compared to DCT and DWT domain. The Results show that spatial domain the interleaving, the %NRMSE was less than 0.25% for 8-bit encoded pixel intensity. Among the frequency domain interleaving methods, DFT was found to be very efficient.

Lipid accumulation product as a marker of cardiometabolic susceptibility in women with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Božić-Antić, Ivana; Ilić, Dušan; Bjekić-Macut, Jelica; Bogavac, Tamara; Vojnović-Milutinović, Danijela; Kastratovic-Kotlica, Biljana; Milić, Nataša; Stanojlović, Olivera; Andrić, Zoran; Macut, Djuro

2016-12-01

There are limited data on cardiometabolic risk factors and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) across the different PCOS phenotypes in Caucasian population. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a clinical surrogate marker that could be used for evaluation of MetS in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to analyze metabolic characteristics and the ability of LAP to predict MetS in different PCOS phenotypes. Cross-sectional clinical study analyzing 365 women with PCOS divided into four phenotypes according to the ESHRE/ASRM criteria, and 125 healthy BMI-matched controls. In all subjects, LAP was determined and MetS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. Logistic regression and ROC curve analyses were used to determine predictors of MetS in each PCOS phenotype. All analyses were performed with age and BMI adjustment. All PCOS phenotypes in comparison to controls had higher prevalence of MetS assessed by NCEP-ATP III criteria, and only classic phenotypes when IDF and JIS criteria were used. All phenotypes had the same prevalence of MetS irrespective of used definition. LAP and exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy and was an independent predictor of MetS in all phenotypes. LAP is an independent and accurate clinical determinant of MetS in all PCOS phenotypes in our Caucasian population. All PCOS phenotypes, including non-classic ones, are metabolically challenged and with cardiovascular risk, particularly phenotype B. © 2016 European Society of Endocrinology.

Helios, and not FoxP3, is the marker of activated Tregs expressing GARP/LAP.

PubMed

Elkord, Eyad; Abd Al Samid, May; Chaudhary, Belal

2015-08-21

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key players of immune regulation/dysregulation both in physiological and pathophysiological settings. Despite significant advances in understanding Treg function, there is still a pressing need to define reliable and specific markers that can distinguish different Treg subpopulations. Herein we show for the first time that markers of activated Tregs [latency associated peptide (LAP) and glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP, or LRRC32)] are expressed on CD4+FoxP3- T cells expressing Helios (FoxP3-Helios+) in the steady state. Following TCR activation, GARP/LAP are up-regulated on CD4+Helios+ T cells regardless of FoxP3 expression (FoxP3+/-Helios+). We show that CD4+GARP+/-LAP+ Tregs make IL-10 immunosuppressive cytokine but not IFN-γ effector cytokine. Further characterization of FoxP3/Helios subpopulations showed that FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs proliferate in vitro significantly less than FoxP3+Helios- Tregs upon TCR stimulation. Unlike FoxP3+Helios- Tregs, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs secrete IL-10 but not IFN-γ or IL-2, confirming they are bona fide Tregs with immunosuppressive characteristics. Taken together, Helios, and not FoxP3, is the marker of activated Tregs expressing GARP/LAP, and FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs have more suppressive characteristics, compared with FoxP3+Helios- Tregs. Our work implies that therapeutic modalities for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, allergies and graft rejection should be designed to induce and/or expand FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, while therapies against cancers or infectious diseases should avoid such expansion/induction.

Early evolution of comet 67P studied with the RPC-LAP onboard Rosetta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miloch, Wojciech; Edberg, Niklas J. T.; Eriksson, Anders I.; Yang, Lei; Paulsson, Joakim J. P.; Wedlund, Cyril Simon; Odelstad, Elias

2016-07-01

The Rosetta mission provides the in-situ measurements of a comet that are closest to a comet's aphelion ever made. The Rosetta Plasma Consortium (RPC) is a set of five instruments on board the spacecraft that specialise in the measurements of the plasma environment of comet 67P. One of the instruments is RPC-LAP, which consists of two Langmuir Probes and can measure the density, temperature, and flow speed of the plasma in the vicinity of the comet. At the early stage of the Rosetta mission, when the spacecraft is far from the nucleus of comet 67P, the ion part of the current-voltage characteristics of RPC-LAP1 is dominated by the photoemission current which surpasses the currents from the dilute solar wind plasma. As Rosetta starts orbiting around the nucleus in September 2014, LAP1 picks up signatures of local plasma density enhancements corresponding to variations of water-group ions observed in the vicinity of the comet. With the help of current-voltage characteristics and the spacecraft potential, we identify and characterise in space and time the entering of this coma-dominated plasma. In particular we determine the transition for entering the ion dominated region characterised by the 6-hour variations in the local plasma density due to the comet rotation. This transition manifests as a steep gradient in the density with respect to the distance to the comet nucleus. We discuss these RPC-LAP results together with the corresponding measurements by other instruments to provide a comprehensive picture of the transition.

A Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd Isotope Geochronology and Trace Element Study of Lunar Meteorite LaPaz Icefield 02205

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rankenburg, K.; Brandon, A. D.; Norman, M. D.

2007-01-01

Rubidium-strontium and samarium-neodymium isotopes of lunar meteorite LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02205 are consistent with derivation of the parent magma from a source region similar to that which produced the Apollo 12 low-Ti olivine basalts followed by mixing of the magma with small amounts (1 to 2 wt%) of trace element-enriched material similar to lunar KREEP-rich sample SaU 169. The crystallization age of LAP 02205 is most precisely dated by an internal Rb-Sr isochron of 2991+/-14 Ma, with an initial Sr-87/Sr-88 at the time of crystallization of 0.699836+/-0.000010. Leachable REE-rich phosphate phases of LAP 02205 do not plot on a Sm-Nd mineral isochron, indicating contamination or open system behavior of the phosphates. Excluding anomalous phases from the calculation of a Sm-Nd isochron yields a crystallization age of 2992+/-85 (initial Epsilon Nd-143 = +2.9+/-0.8) that is within error of the Rb-Sr age, and in agreement with other independent age determinations for LAP 02205 from Ar-Ar and U-Pb methods. The calculated Sm-147/Nd-144 source ratios for LAP 02205, various Apollo 12 and 15 basalts, and samples with strong affinities to KREEP (SaU 169, NWA 773, 15386) are uncorrelated with their crystallization ages. This finding does not support the involvement of a common KREEP component as a heat source for lunar melting events that occurred after crystallization of the lunar magma ocean.

Low frequency ultrasonic nondestructive inspection of aluminum/adhesive fuselage lap splices

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

Patton, Thadd

1994-01-04

This thesis is a collection of research efforts in ultrasonics, conducted at the Center for Aviation Systems Reliability located at Iowa State University, as part of the Federal Aviation Administration`s ``Aging Aircraft Program.`` The research was directed toward the development of an ultrasonic prototype to inspect the aluminum/adhesive fuselage lap splices found on 1970`s vintage Boeing passenger aircraft. The ultrasonic prototype consists of a normal incidence, low frequency inspection technique, and a scanning adapter that allows focused immersion transducers to be operated in a direct contact manner in any inspection orientation, including upside-down. The inspection technique uses a computer-controlled datamore » acquisition system to produce a C-scan image of a radio frequency (RF) waveform created by a low frequency, broadband, focused beam transducer, driven with a spike voltage pulser. C-scans produced by this technique are color representations of the received signal`s peak-to-peak amplitude (voltage) taken over an (x, y) grid. Low frequency, in this context, refers to a wavelength that is greater than the lap splice`s layer thicknesses. With the low frequency technique, interface echoes of the lap splice are not resolved and gating of the signal is unnecessary; this in itself makes the technique simple to implement and saves considerable time in data acquisition. Along with the advantages in data acquisition, the low frequency technique is relatively insensitive to minor surface curvature and to ultrasonic interference effects caused by adhesive bondline thickness variations in the lap splice.« less

Fortune Favors the Brave. Tactical Behaviors in the Middle Distance Running Events at the 2017 IAAF World Championships.

PubMed

Casado, Arturo; Renfree, Andrew

2018-05-29

To assess tactical and performance factors associated with progression from qualification rounds in the 800 m and 1500 m running events at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. Official results were used to access final and intermediate positions and times, as well as performance characteristics of competitors. Shared variance between intermediate positions and rank order lap times (ROSPT) with finishing positions were calculated, along with probability of automatic qualification, for athletes in each available race position at the end of every 400 m lap. Differences in race positions and lap times relative to season´s best (SB) performances were assessed between automatic qualifiers (AQ), fastest losers (FL), and non-qualifiers (NQ). Race positions at the end of each 400 m lap remained more stable through 800 m races than 1500 m races. Probability of automatic qualification decreased with both race position and ROSPT on each lap, although ROSPT accounted for a higher degree of shared variance than did intermediate position. In the 1500 m event FL ran at a higher percentage of SB speed, and adopted positions closer to the race lead in the early stages. This was not the case in the 800 m. Intermediate positioning and the ability to produce a fast final race segment are strongly related to advancement from qualification rounds in middle distance running events. The adoption of a more 'risky' strategy characterized by higher speeds relative to SB may be associated with increased likelihood of qualification as FL in the 1500 m event.

Understanding Insurance. A Guide for Industrial Cooperative Training Programs. Learning Activity Package No. 15.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duenk, Lester G.; Tuel, Charles

This learning activity package (LAP) on the insurance industry and the methods used to give protection to the insured is designed for student self-study. Following a list of learning objectives, the LAP contains a pretest (answer key provided at the back). Six learning activities follow. The learning activities cover the following material: terms…

75 FR 81427 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-200C, -200F, -400, -400D, and -400F Series...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-28

.... This AD results from a structural review of affected skin lap joints for widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking in certain lap joints, which could result in rapid... operation beyond 15,000 total flight cycles after doing the proposed modification. Boeing stated that...

Quasi-Experimental Study: Head Start Preschoolers' Cognitive Development as Assessed by the Learning Accomplishment Profile--Diagnostic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hines, Jeanne M.

2014-01-01

Abstract Preschoolers' cognitive abilities were assessed each year as part of the Head Start Program requirements. The Head Start PK-4 Center evaluated preschoolers' cognition by administering the Learning Accomplishment Profile-Diagnostic (LAP-D), as a pretest and posttest measure. The LAP-D study used archival data collected from the 2009-2010…

75 FR 61977 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-200B, and 747-200F Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-07

... fatigue-related skin cracks and corrosion of the skin panel lap joints in the fuselage upper lobe, and... of corrosion, and related investigative and corrective actions. This AD reduces the maximum interval... and correct fatigue cracking and corrosion in the fuselage upper lobe skin lap joints, which could...

Impact of low atmosphere pressure stunning of broilers on breast skin Salmonella and Campylobacter post-defeathering and breast fillet meat quality

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Low atmosphere pressure stun (LAPS) is a method of controlled atmosphere poultry slaughter that utilizes a decrease of atmospheric pressure (0.2 ATM) to induce unconsciousness and death. Following feed withdrawal periods of 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours, broilers were slaughtered using LAPS or electrical stu...

Agreement between VO[subscript 2peak] Predicted from PACER and One-Mile Run Time-Equated Laps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saint-Maurice, Pedro F.; Anderson, Katelin; Bai, Yang; Welk, Gregory J.

2016-01-01

Purpose: This study examined the agreement between estimated peak oxygen consumption (VO[subscript 2peak]) obtained from the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) fitness test and equated PACER laps derived from One-Mile Run time (MR). Methods: A sample of 680 participants (324 boys and 356 girls) in Grades 7 through 12…

Experimental comparison of trauma in lateral (+Gy) rearward-facing (+Gx), and forward-facing (-Gx) body orientations when restrained by lap belt only.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1969-07-01

In this study, 24 anesthetized Savannah Baboons (Papio cynocephalus) restrained with a lap belt were subjected to a controlled series of lateral impacts at entrance velocities ranging from 36.4 ft./sec. (15g.) to 88.2 ft./ sec. (44g.) 1,200 g./sec. t...

50 CFR 635.69 - Vessel monitoring systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) Whenever a vessel issued a directed shark LAP, has bottom longline gear on board, is located between 33°00′ N. lat. and 36°30′ N. lat., and the mid-Atlantic shark closed area is closed as specified in § 635.21(d)(1); or (3) Whenever a vessel issued a directed shark LAP has gillnet gear on board from...

Engineering Design Handbook. Joining of Advanced Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-01

4.50 " Traversing Mechanisms.. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . $ 4.50 Wheeled Amphibians...o < ., ~ tO .... ., ;> < 0 DENOTES 1-IN. SCARF b. DENOTES 1-1/2-IN. SCARF CLOSED SYMBOL DENOTES RUNOUT 2.0 ~-----------L...PATTERN 0 DENOTES 2-IN. LAP, 0/45/-45/0 PATTERN b. DENOTES 2-IN. LAP, 45/0/0/-45 PATTERN CLOSED SYMBOL DENOTES RUNOUT b.----•:. • 0

Combined fabrication process for high-precision aspheric surface based on smoothing polishing and magnetorheological finishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Xuqing; Li, Shengyi; Song, Ci; Hu, Hao

2014-08-01

Due to the different curvature everywhere, the aspheric surface is hard to achieve high-precision accuracy by the traditional polishing process. Controlling of the mid-spatial frequency errors (MSFR), in particular, is almost unapproachable. In this paper, the combined fabrication process based on the smoothing polishing (SP) and magnetorheological finishing (MRF) is proposed. The pressure distribution of the rigid polishing lap and semi-flexible polishing lap is calculated. The shape preserving capacity and smoothing effect are compared. The feasibility of smoothing aspheric surface with the semi-flexible polishing lap is verified, and the key technologies in the SP process are discussed. Then, A K4 parabolic surface with the diameter of 500mm is fabricated based on the combined fabrication process. A Φ150 mm semi-flexible lap is used in the SP process to control the MSFR, and the deterministic MRF process is applied to figure the surface error. The root mean square (RMS) error of the aspheric surface converges from 0.083λ (λ=632.8 nm) to 0.008λ. The power spectral density (PSD) result shows that the MSFR are well restrained while the surface error has a great convergence.

Safety study of intravitreal and suprachoroidal Laponite clay in rabbit eyes.

PubMed

Prieto, Esther; Vispe, Eugenio; De Martino, Alba; Idoipe, Miriam; Rodrigo, María J; Garcia-Martin, Elena; Fraile, José M; Polo-Llorens, Vicente; Mayoral, José A

2018-03-01

To study the safety and biocompatibility of Laponite clay (LAP) within an intravitreal and suprachoroidal administration in rabbit eyes. Thirty-two New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into two experimental groups to test intravitreal (IVT group) and suprachoroidal (SCS group) administration of a 100-μl and 50-μl Laponite suspension respectively. Following injection, the eyes were monitored by ocular tonometry, slit-lamp eye examination and indirect ophthalmoscopy, at 24 h, 1, 4, 12, and 14 weeks post administration. Histological examination was also performed to determine whether any ocular pathological change had occurred. Throughout the study, LAP presence in vitreous was estimated by complexometric titration with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), taking advantage of the Laponite high content of magnesium ions. Neither significant differences in the intraocular pressure, nor relevant ocular complications were found in the two experimental groups after LAP administration. The histology of the retina remained unchanged. LAP presence in vitreous could be indirectly confirmed by complexometric titration until 14 weeks post administration in eyes of IVT group. Laponite could be considered as a vehicle for potential clinical use in ocular drug administration, due to its proven ocular biocompatibility and its transparency in gel state.

Three novel obese indicators perform better in monitoring management of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Ma, Chun-Ming; Lu, Na; Wang, Rui; Liu, Xiao-Li; Lu, Qiang; Yin, Fu-Zai

2017-08-29

The present study evaluated the performance of three novel obese indicators, visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP) and waist circumference-triglyceride index (WTI), for identifying metabolic syndrome(MetS) in type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 711 type 2 diabetes in Qinhuangdao. The MetS was defined as the definition of Chinese Diabetes Society. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to assess the accuracy of three obese indicators as diagnostic tests for MetS. The prevalence of MetS was 71.3%. In men, among all three obese indicators, the LAP had the highest area under curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.894), followed by VAI (AUC = 0.860) and WTI (AUC = 0.855). In women, among all three obese indicators, the LAP had the highest AUC value (AUC = 0.906), followed by WTI (AUC = 0.887) and VAI (AUC = 0.881). However. there was no significant difference between the three obese indicators(P > 0.05). Three obese indicators were effective indicators for the screening of MetS, LAP and WTI are more simple.

Nonlinear Analysis of Bonded Composite Tubular Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oterkus, E.; Madenci, E.; Smeltzer, S. S., III; Ambur, D. R.

2005-01-01

The present study describes a semi-analytical solution method for predicting the geometrically nonlinear response of a bonded composite tubular single-lap joint subjected to general loading conditions. The transverse shear and normal stresses in the adhesive as well as membrane stress resultants and bending moments in the adherends are determined using this method. The method utilizes the principle of virtual work in conjunction with nonlinear thin-shell theory to model the adherends and a cylindrical shear lag model to represent the kinematics of the thin adhesive layer between the adherends. The kinematic boundary conditions are imposed by employing the Lagrange multiplier method. In the solution procedure, the displacement components for the tubular joint are approximated in terms of non-periodic and periodic B-Spline functions in the longitudinal and circumferential directions, respectively. The approach presented herein represents a rapid-solution alternative to the finite element method. The solution method was validated by comparison against a previously considered tubular single-lap joint. The steep variation of both peeling and shearing stresses near the adhesive edges was successfully captured. The applicability of the present method was also demonstrated by considering tubular bonded lap-joints subjected to pure bending and torsion.

Real-time monitoring of laser welding of galvanized high strength steel in lap joint configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Fanrong; Ma, Junjie; Carlson, Blair; Kovacevic, Radovan

2012-10-01

Two different cases regarding the zinc coating at the lap joint faying surface are selected for studying the influence of zinc vapor on the keyhole dynamics of the weld pool and the final welding quality. One case has the zinc coating fully removed at the faying surface; while the other case retains the zinc coating on the faying surface. It is found that removal of the zinc coating at the faying surface produces a significantly better weld quality as exemplified by a lack of spatters whereas intense spatters are present when the zinc coating is present at the faying surface. Spectroscopy is used to detect the optical spectra emitted from a laser generated plasma plume during the laser welding of galvanized high strength DP980 steel in a lap-joint configuration. A correlation between the electron temperature and defects within the weld bead is identified by using the Boltzmann plot method. The laser weld pool keyhole dynamic behavior affected by a high-pressure zinc vapor generated at the faying surface of galvanized steel lap-joint is monitored in real-time by a high speed charge-coupled device (CCD) camera assisted with a green laser as an illumination source.

Residual Strength Analyses of Riveted Lap-Splice Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seshadri, B. R.; Newman, J. C., Jr.

2000-01-01

The objective of this paper was to analyze the crack-linkup behavior in riveted-stiffened lap-splice joint panels with small multiple-site damage (MSD) cracks at several adjacent rivet holes. Analyses are based on the STAGS (STructural Analysis of General Shells) code with the critical crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. To account for high constraint around a crack front, the "plane strain core" option in STAGS was used. The importance of modeling rivet flexibility with fastener elements that accurately model load transfer across the joint is discussed. Fastener holes are not modeled but rivet connectivity is accounted for by attaching rivets to the sheet on one side of the cracks that simulated both the rivet diameter and MSD cracks. Residual strength analyses made on 2024-T3 alloy (1.6-mm thick) riveted-lap-splice joints with a lead crack and various size MSD cracks were compared with test data from Boeing Airplane Company. Analyses were conducted for both restrained and unrestrained buckling conditions. Comparison of results from these analyses and results from lap-splice-joint test panels, which were partially restrained against buckling indicate that the test results were bounded by the failure loads predicted by the analyses with restrained and unrestrained conditions.

Modeling Multiple Risks: Hidden Domain of Attraction

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

improve joint tail probability approximation but the deficiency can be remedied by a more general approach which we call hidden domain of attraction ( HDA ...HRV is a special case of HDA . If the distribution of X does not have MRV but (1.2) still holds, we may retrieve the MRV setup by transforming the...potential advantage in some circumstances of the notion of HDA is that it does not require that we transform components. Performing such transformations on

Investigation of defect rate of lap laser welding of stainless steel railway vehicles car body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongxiao

2015-02-01

In order to resolve the disadvantages such as poor appearance quality, poor tightness, low efficiency of resistance spot welding of stainless steel rail vehicles, partial penetration lap laser welding process was investigated widely. But due to the limitation of processing technology, there will be local incomplete fusion in the lap laser welding seam. Defect rate is the ratio of the local incomplete fusion length to the weld seam length. The tensile shear strength under different defect rate and its effect on the car body static strength are not clear. It is necessary to find the biggest defect rate by numerical analysis of effects of different defect rates on the laser welding stainless steel rail vehicle body structure strength ,and tests of laser welding shear tensile strength.

Design, fabrication and test of graphite/polyimide composite joints and attachments for advanced aerospace vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skoumal, D. E.

1980-01-01

Bonded and bolted designs are presented for each of four major attachment types. Prepreg processing problems are discussed and quality control data are given for lots 2W4604, 2W4632 and 2W4643. Preliminary design allowables test results for tension tests and compression tests of laminates are included. The final small specimen test matrix is defined and the configuration of symmetric step-lap joint specimens are shown. Finite element modeling studies of a double lap joint were performed to evaluate the number of elements required through the adhesive thickness to assess effects of various joint parameters on stress distributions. Results of finite element analyses assessing the effect of an adhesive fillet on the stress distribution in a double lap joint are examined.

Material characterization of structural adhesives in the lap shear mode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sancaktar, E.; Schenck, S. C.

1983-01-01

A general method for characterizing structual adhesives in the bonded lap shear mode is proposed. Two approaches in the form of semiempirical and theoretical approaches are used. The semiempirical approach includes Ludwik's and Zhurkov's equations to describe respectively, the failure stresses in the constant strain rate and constant stress loading modes with the inclusion of the temperature effects. The theoretical approach is used to describe adhesive shear stress-strain behavior with the use of viscoelastic or nonlinear elastic constitutive equations. Two different model adhesives are used in the single lap shear mode with titanium adherends. These adhesives (one of which was developed at NASA Langley Research Center) are currently considered by NASA for possible aerospace applications. Use of different model adhesives helps in assessment of the generality of the method.

Light addressable potentiometric sensor with an array of sensing regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Weiguo; Han, JingHong; Zhang, Hong; Chen, Deyong

2001-09-01

This paper describes the mechanism of light addressable poteniometric sensors (LAPS) from the viewpoints of Semiconductor Physics, and introduces the fabrication of a multi-parameter LAPS chip. The MEMS technology is applied to produce a matrix of sensing regions on the wafer. By doing that, the cross talk among these regions is reduced, and the precision of the LAPS is increased. An IR-LED matrix is used as the light source, and the flow-injection method is used to input samples. The sensor system is compact and highly integrated. The measure and control system is composed of a personal computer, a lock-in amplifier, a potentiostat, a singlechip system, and an addressing circuit. Some experiments have been done with this device. The results show that this device is very promising for practical use.

Estradiol In Females May Negate Skeletal Muscle Myostatin Mrna Expression And Serum Myostatin Propeptide Levels After Eccentric Muscle Contractions

PubMed Central

Willoughby, Darryn S.; Wilborn, Colin D.

2006-01-01

Eccentric contractions produce a significant degree of inflammation and muscle injury that may increase the expression of myostatin. Due to its anti- oxidant and anti-flammatory effects, circulating 17-β estradiol (E2) may attenuate myostatin expression. Eight males and eight females performed 7 sets of 10 reps of eccentric contractions of the knee extensors at 150% 1-RM. Each female performed the eccentric exercise bout on a day that fell within her mid-luteal phase (d 21-23 of her 28-d cycle). Blood and muscle samples were obtained before and 6 and 24 h after exercise, while additional blood samples were obtained at 48 and 72 h after exercise. Serum E2 and myostatin LAP/propeptide (LAP/pro) levels were determined with ELISA, and myostatin mRNA expression determined using RT-PCR. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and bivariate correlations (p < 0.05). Females had greater levels of serum E2 throughout the 72- h sampling period (p < 0.05). While males had greater body mass and fat-free mass, neither was correlated to the pre-exercise levels of myostatin mRNA and LAP/pro for either gender (p > 0.05). Compared to pre-exercise, males had significant increases (p < 0.05) in LAP/propetide and mRNA of 78% and 28%, respectively, at 24 h post-exercise, whereas females underwent respective decreases of 10% and 21%. E2 and LAP/propeptide were correlated at 6 h (r = -0.804, p = 0.016) and 24 h post- exercise (r = -0.841, p = 0.009) in males, whereas in females E2 levels were correlated to myostatin mRNA at 6 h (r =0.739, p = 0.036) and 24 h (r = 0.813, p = 0.014) post-exercise and LAP/propeptide at 6 h (r = 0.713, p = 0.047) and 24 h (r = 0.735, p = 0.038). In females, myostatin mRNA expression and serum LAP/propeptide levels do not appear to be significantly up-regulated following eccentric exercise, and may be due to higher levels of circulating E2. Key Points The pre-exercise levels of myostatin mRNA and propeptide were not significantly different between genders, and even though the total body mass and fat-free mass of males were significantly greater than females, neither was correlated to myostatin mRNA or LAP/propeptide. Myostatin mRNA expression in females is less than in males 24 h after a single bout of eccentric exercise. Myostatin LAP/propeptide levels in females are lower in females than in males 24 h after a single bout of eccentric exercise, thereby suggesting a gender-specific mechanism in which females may be less responsive to eccentric exercise than males. Myostatin mRNA expression in females is attenuated, possibly due to inhibition in myostatin signaling, and appears to be more related to the presence of a higher level of circulating E2 rather than body composition. Due to their higher level of E2, females seem to be less susceptible to the mechanism by which eccentric exercise apparently up-regulates myostatin mRNA expression in males. PMID:24357964

Inverted electro-mechanical behaviour induced by the irreversible domain configuration transformation in (K,Na)NbO3-based ceramics

PubMed Central

Huan, Yu; Wang, Xiaohui; Koruza, Jurij; Wang, Ke; Webber, Kyle G.; Hao, Yanan; Li, Longtu

2016-01-01

Miniaturization of domains to the nanometer scale has been previously reported in many piezoelectrics with two-phase coexistence. Despite the observation of nanoscale domain configuration near the polymorphic phase transition (PPT) regionin virgin (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) based ceramics, it remains unclear how this domain state responds to external loads and influences the macroscopic electro-mechanical properties. To this end, the electric-field-induced and stress-induced strain curves of KNN-based ceramics over a wide compositional range across PPT were characterized. It was found that the coercive field of the virgin samples was highest in PPT region, which was related to the inhibited domain wall motion due to the presence of nanodomains. However, the coercive field was found to be the lowest in the PPT region after electrical poling. This was related to the irreversible transformation of the nanodomains into micron-sized domains during the poling process. With the similar micron-sized domain configuration for all poled ceramics, the domains in the PPT region move more easily due to the additional polarization vectors. The results demonstrate that the poling process can give rise to the irreversible domain configuration transformation and then account for the inverted macroscopic piezoelectricity in the PPT region of KNN-based ceramics. PMID:26915972

The analysis of decimation and interpolation in the linear canonical transform domain.

PubMed

Xu, Shuiqing; Chai, Yi; Hu, Youqiang; Huang, Lei; Feng, Li

2016-01-01

Decimation and interpolation are the two basic building blocks in the multirate digital signal processing systems. As the linear canonical transform (LCT) has been shown to be a powerful tool for optics and signal processing, it is worthwhile and interesting to analyze the decimation and interpolation in the LCT domain. In this paper, the definition of equivalent filter in the LCT domain have been given at first. Then, by applying the definition, the direct implementation structure and polyphase networks for decimator and interpolator in the LCT domain have been proposed. Finally, the perfect reconstruction expressions for differential filters in the LCT domain have been presented as an application. The proposed theorems in this study are the bases for generalizations of the multirate signal processing in the LCT domain, which can advance the filter banks theorems in the LCT domain.

Turbulence excited frequency domain damping measurement and truncation effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soovere, J.

1976-01-01

Existing frequency domain modal frequency and damping analysis methods are discussed. The effects of truncation in the Laplace and Fourier transform data analysis methods are described. Methods for eliminating truncation errors from measured damping are presented. Implications of truncation effects in fast Fourier transform analysis are discussed. Limited comparison with test data is presented.

Noise suppression in surface microseismic data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Forghani-Arani, Farnoush; Batzle, Mike; Behura, Jyoti; Willis, Mark; Haines, Seth S.; Davidson, Michael

2012-01-01

We introduce a passive noise suppression technique, based on the τ − p transform. In the τ − p domain, one can separate microseismic events from surface noise based on distinct characteristics that are not visible in the time-offset domain. By applying the inverse τ − p transform to the separated microseismic event, we suppress the surface noise in the data. Our technique significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratios of the microseismic events and is superior to existing techniques for passive noise suppression in the sense that it preserves the waveform. We introduce a passive noise suppression technique, based on the τ − p transform. In the τ − p domain, one can separate microseismic events from surface noise based on distinct characteristics that are not visible in the time-offset domain. By applying the inverse τ − p transform to the separated microseismic event, we suppress the surface noise in the data. Our technique significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratios of the microseismic events and is superior to existing techniques for passive noise suppression in the sense that it preserves the waveform.

Application of Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization techniques for improved image steganography systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jude Hemanth, Duraisamy; Umamaheswari, Subramaniyan; Popescu, Daniela Elena; Naaji, Antoanela

2016-01-01

Image steganography is one of the ever growing computational approaches which has found its application in many fields. The frequency domain techniques are highly preferred for image steganography applications. However, there are significant drawbacks associated with these techniques. In transform based approaches, the secret data is embedded in random manner in the transform coefficients of the cover image. These transform coefficients may not be optimal in terms of the stego image quality and embedding capacity. In this work, the application of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) have been explored in the context of determining the optimal coefficients in these transforms. Frequency domain transforms such as Bandelet Transform (BT) and Finite Ridgelet Transform (FRIT) are used in combination with GA and PSO to improve the efficiency of the image steganography system.

1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 acts via transforming growth factor-β to up-regulate expression of immunosuppressive CD73 on human CD4+ Foxp3- T cells.

PubMed

Mann, Elizabeth H; Chambers, Emma S; Chen, Yin-Huai; Richards, David F; Hawrylowicz, Catherine M

2015-11-01

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased incidence and severity of various immune-mediated diseases. Active vitamin D (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; 1,25(OH)2 D3) up-regulates CD4(+) T-cell expression of the purine ectonucleotidase CD39, a molecule that is associated with the generation of anti-inflammatory adenosine. Here we aimed to investigate the direct impact of 1,25(OH)2 D3 on expression of the downstream ecto-5'-nucleotidase CD73 by human CD4 T cells, and components of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, which have been implicated in the modulation of CD73 by murine T cells. At 10(-8) to 10(-7) m, 1,25(OH)2 D3 significantly increased expression of CD73 on peripheral human CD4(+) T cells. Although 1,25(OH)2 D3 did not affect the mRNA expression of latent TGF-β1 , 1,25(OH)2 D3 did up-regulate expression of TGF-β-associated molecules [latency-associated peptide (LAP), glycophorin A repetitions predominant (GARP), GP96, neuropilin-1, thrombospondin-1 and αv integrin] which is likely to have contributed to the observed enhancement in TGF-β bioactivity. CD73 was highly co-expressed with LAP and GARP following 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment, but unexpectedly, each of these cell surface molecules was expressed primarily on CD4(+) Foxp3(-) T cells, rather than CD4(+) Foxp3(+) T cells. Notably, neutralization of TGF-β significantly impaired 1,25(OH)2 D3-mediated induction of CD73. Collectively, we show that 1,25(OH)2 D3 enhances expression of CD73 on CD4(+) Foxp3(-) T cells in a process that is at least partially TGF-β-dependent. These data reveal an additional contributing mechanism by which vitamin D may be protective in immune-mediated disease. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Image encryption with chaotic map and Arnold transform in the gyrator transform domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sang, Jun; Luo, Hongling; Zhao, Jun; Alam, Mohammad S.; Cai, Bin

2017-05-01

An image encryption method combing chaotic map and Arnold transform in the gyrator transform domains was proposed. Firstly, the original secret image is XOR-ed with a random binary sequence generated by a logistic map. Then, the gyrator transform is performed. Finally, the amplitude and phase of the gyrator transform are permutated by Arnold transform. The decryption procedure is the inverse operation of encryption. The secret keys used in the proposed method include the control parameter and the initial value of the logistic map, the rotation angle of the gyrator transform, and the transform number of the Arnold transform. Therefore, the key space is large, while the key data volume is small. The numerical simulation was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and the security analysis was performed in terms of the histogram of the encrypted image, the sensitiveness to the secret keys, decryption upon ciphertext loss, and resistance to the chosen-plaintext attack.

Identification of Scattering Mechanisms from Measured Impulse Response Signatures of Several Conducting Objects.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-01

conducting sphere 35 compared to inverse transform of exact solution. 4-5. Measured impulse response of a conducting 2:1 right 37 circular cylinder with...frequency domain. This is equivalent to multiplication in the time domain by the inverse transform of w(n), which is shown in Figure 3-1 for N=15. The...equivalent pulse width from 0.066 T for the rectangular window to 0.10 T for the Hanning window. The inverse transform of the Hanning window is shown

Effects of mutations within the SV40 large T antigen ATPase/p53 binding domain on viral replication and transformation.

PubMed

Peden, K W; Srinivasan, A; Vartikar, J V; Pipas, J M

1998-01-01

The simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen is a 708 amino-acid protein possessing multiple biochemical activities that play distinct roles in productive infection or virus-induced cell transformation. The carboxy-terminal portion of T antigen includes a domain that carries the nucleotide binding and ATPase activities of the protein, as well as sequences required for T antigen to associate with the cellular tumor suppressor p53. Consequently this domain functions both in viral DNA replication and cellular transformation. We have generated a collection of SV40 mutants with amino-acid deletions, insertions or substitutions in specific domains of the protein. Here we report the properties of nine mutants with single or multiple substitutions between amino acids 402 and 430, a region thought to be important for both the p53 binding and ATPase functions. The mutants were examined for the ability to produce infectious progeny virions, replicate viral DNA in vivo, perform in trans complementation tests, and transform established cell lines. Two of the mutants exhibited a wild-type phenotype in all these tests. The remaining seven mutants were defective for plaque formation and viral DNA replication, but in each case these defects could be complemented by a wild-type T antigen supplied in trans. One of these replication-defective mutants efficiently transformed the REF52 and C3H10T1/2 cell lines as assessed by the dense-focus assay. The remaining six mutants were defective for transforming REF52 cells and transformed the C3H10T1/2 line with a reduced efficiency. The ability of mutant T antigen to transform REF52 cells correlated with their ability to induce increased levels of p53.

Sequestration of latent TGF-β binding protein 1 into CADASIL-related Notch3-ECD deposits.

PubMed

Kast, Jessica; Hanecker, Patrizia; Beaufort, Nathalie; Giese, Armin; Joutel, Anne; Dichgans, Martin; Opherk, Christian; Haffner, Christof

2014-08-13

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) represents the most common hereditary form of cerebral small vessel disease characterized by early-onset stroke and premature dementia. It is caused by mutations in the transmembrane receptor Notch3, which promote the aggregation and accumulation of the Notch3 extracellular domain (Notch3-ECD) within blood vessel walls. This process is believed to mediate the abnormal recruitment and dysregulation of additional factors including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins resulting in brain vessel dysfunction. Based on recent evidence indicating a role for the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway in sporadic and familial small vessel disease we studied fibronectin, fibrillin-1 and latent TGF-β binding protein 1 (LTBP-1), three ECM constituents involved in the regulation of TGF-β bioavailability, in post-mortem brain tissue from CADASIL patients and control subjects. Fibronectin and fibrillin-1 were found to be enriched in CADASIL vessels without co-localizing with Notch3-ECD deposits, likely as a result of fibrotic processes secondary to aggregate formation. In contrast, LTBP-1 showed both an accumulation and a striking co-localization with Notch3-ECD deposits suggesting specific recruitment into aggregates. We also detected increased levels of the TGF-β prodomain (also known as latency-associated peptide, LAP) indicating dysregulation of the TGF-β pathway in CADASIL development. In vitro analyses revealed a direct interaction between LTBP-1 and Notch3-ECD and demonstrated a specific co-aggregation of LTBP-1 with mutant Notch3. We propose LTBP-1 as a novel component of Notch3-ECD deposits and suggest its involvement in pathological processes triggered by Notch3-ECD aggregation.

Early detection and progression of decay in L-joints and lap-joints in a moderate decay hazard zone

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Terry L. Highley; Daniel L. Lindner

2006-01-01

Accelerated test methods are needed to evaluate the initiation and progression of decay in wood exposed aboveground. The relationship between test conditions and initiation of decay, however, is poorly understood. Southern pine and maple L-joints and lap-joints were exposed aboveground in a configuration that encouraged water entrapment at the Valley View Experimental...

Vegetables. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.14. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with the major types of vegetables, with the procedures for storing vegetables, and with the general rules and methods of vegetable cookery. Illustrated…

Beverages. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.3. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with preparing and serving beverages and caring for the equipment used to make them. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these…

In-service moisture content of hardboard lap siding in southern Florida

Treesearch

C. Carll; A. Tenwolde; V. Malinauskas; M. Knaebe; P. G. Sotos

1999-01-01

To evaluate the effect of backpriming on in-service performance,hardboard lap siding from one manufacturing plant was exposed on two test buildings in southern Florida for 29 months. The two buildings were identical, except that one had 0.3 m (12-inch) roof overhangs without gutters and the other had gutters but no roof overhangs. Siding installation was the same on...

Starch Products. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.9. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with some basic information about starches and with three starch products found throughout the world: cereals and rice, potatoes, and pasta. Illustrated…

75 FR 13046 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-200C, -200F, -400, -400D, and -400F Series...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-18

.... This proposed AD results from a structural review of affected skin lap joints for widespread fatigue damage. We are proposing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking in certain lap joints, which could result in...., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service...

Design Considerations of Polishing Lap for Computer-Controlled Cylindrical Polishing Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Gufran S.; Gubarev, Mikhail; Arnold, William; Ramsey, Brian D.

2009-01-01

This paper establishes a relationship between the polishing process parameters and the generation of mid spatial-frequency error. The consideration of the polishing lap design to optimize the process in order to keep residual errors to a minimum and optimization of the process (speeds, stroke, etc.) and to keep the residual mid spatial-frequency error to a minimum, is also presented.

Transformation by oncogenic mutants and ligand-dependent activation of FLT3 wild-type requires the tyrosine residues 589 and 591.

PubMed

Vempati, Sridhar; Reindl, Carola; Wolf, Ulla; Kern, Ruth; Petropoulos, Konstantin; Naidu, Vegi M; Buske, Christian; Hiddemann, Wolfgang; Kohl, Tobias M; Spiekermann, Karsten

2008-07-15

Mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 are found in up to 30% of acute myelogenous leukemia patients and are associated with an inferior prognosis. In this study, we characterized critical tyrosine residues responsible for the transforming potential of active FLT3-receptor mutants and ligand-dependent activation of FLT3-WT. We performed a detailed structure-function analysis of putative autophosphorylation tyrosine residues in the FLT3-D835Y tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutant. All tyrosine residues in the juxtamembrane domain (Y566, Y572, Y589, Y591, Y597, and Y599), interkinase domain (Y726 and Y768), and COOH-terminal domain (Y955 and Y969) of the FLT3-D835Y construct were successively mutated to phenylalanine and the transforming activity of these mutants was analyzed in interleukin-3-dependent Ba/F3 cells. Tyrosine residues critical for the transforming potential of FLT3-D835Y were also analyzed in FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutants (FLT3-ITD)and the FLT3 wild-type (FLT3-WT) receptor. The substitution of the tyrosine residues by phenylalanine in the juxtamembrane, interkinase, and COOH-terminal domains resulted in a complete loss of the transforming potential of FLT3-D835Y-expressing cells which can be attributed to a significant reduction of signal tranducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation at the molecular level. Reintroduction of single tyrosine residues revealed the critical role of Y589 and Y591 in reconstituting interleukin-3-independent growth of FLT3-TKD-expressing cells. Combined mutation of Y589 and Y591 to phenylalanine also abrogated ligand-dependent proliferation of FLT3-WT and the transforming potential of FLT3-ITD-with a subsequent abrogation of STAT5 phosphorylation. We identified two tyrosine residues, Y589 and Y591, in the juxtamembrane domain that are critical for the ligand-dependent activation of FLT3-WT and the transforming potential of oncogenic FLT3 mutants.

Temporal expression of the human alcohol dehydrogenase gene family during liver development correlates with differential promoter activation by hepatocyte nuclear factor 1, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, liver activator protein, and D-element-binding protein.

PubMed Central

van Ooij, C; Snyder, R C; Paeper, B W; Duester, G

1992-01-01

The human class I alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene family consists of ADH1, ADH2, and ADH3, which are sequentially activated in early fetal, late fetal, and postnatal liver, respectively. Analysis of ADH promoters revealed differential activation by several factors previously shown to control liver transcription. In cotransfection assays, the ADH1 promoter, but not the ADH2 or ADH3 promoter, was shown to respond to hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF-1), which has previously been shown to regulate transcription in early liver development. The ADH2 promoter, but not the ADH1 or ADH3 promoter, was shown to respond to CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha), a transcription factor particularly active during late fetal liver and early postnatal liver development. The ADH1, ADH2, and ADH3 promoters all responded to the liver transcription factors liver activator protein (LAP) and D-element-binding protein (DBP), which are most active in postnatal liver. For all three promoters, the activation by LAP or DBP was higher than that seen by HNF-1 or C/EBP alpha, and a significant synergism between C/EBP alpha and LAP was noticed for the ADH2 and ADH3 promoters when both factors were simultaneously cotransfected. A hierarchy of ADH promoter responsiveness to C/EBP alpha and LAP homo- and heterodimers is suggested. In all three ADH genes, LAP bound to the same four sites previously reported for C/EBP alpha (i.e., -160, -120, -40, and -20 bp), but DBP bound strongly only to the site located at -40 bp relative to the transcriptional start. Mutational analysis of ADH2 indicated that the -40 bp element accounts for most of the promoter regulation by the bZIP factors analyzed. These studies suggest that HNF-1 and C/EBP alpha help establish ADH gene family transcription in fetal liver and that LAP and DBP help maintain high-level ADH gene family transcription in postnatal liver. Images PMID:1620113

A fundamental study on the structural integrity of magnesium alloys joined by friction stir welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Harish Mangebettu

The goal of this research is to study the factors that influence the physical and mechanical properties of lap-shear joints produced using friction stir welding. This study focuses on understanding the effect of tool geometry and weld process parameters including the tool rotation rate, tool plunge depth and dwell time on the mechanical performance of similar magnesium alloy and dissimilar magnesium to aluminum alloy weld joints. A variety of experimental activities were conducted including tensile and fatigue testing, fracture surface and failure analysis, microstructure characterization, hardness measurements and chemical composition analysis. An investigation on the effect of weld process conditions in friction stir spot welding of magnesium to magnesium produced in a manner that had a large effective sheet thickness and smaller interfacial hook height exhibited superior weld strength. Furthermore, in fatigue testing of friction stir spot welded of magnesium to magnesium alloy, lap-shear welds produced using a triangular tool pin profile exhibited better fatigue life properties compared to lap-shear welds produced using a cylindrical tool pin profile. In friction stir spot welding of dissimilar magnesium to aluminum, formation of intermetallic compounds in the stir zone of the weld had a dominant effect on the weld strength. Lap-shear dissimilar welds with good material mixture and discontinues intermetallic compounds in the stir zone exhibited superior weld strength compared to lap-shear dissimilar welds with continuous formation of intermetallic compounds in the stir zone. The weld structural geometry like the interfacial hook, hook orientation and bond width also played a major role in influencing the weld strength of the dissimilar lap-shear friction stir spot welds. A wide scatter in fatigue test results was observed in friction stir linear welds of aluminum to magnesium alloys. Different modes of failure were observed under fatigue loading including crack propagation into the top sheet, into the bottom sheet, and interfacial separation. Investigation of the tested welds revealed that the voids in the weld nugget reduced the weld strength, resulting in lower fatigue life. A thin layer of IMCs formed along the faying surface which accelerated the fatigue failure.

Electrophysiological indices of brain activity to content and function words in discourse.

PubMed

Neumann, Yael; Epstein, Baila; Shafer, Valerie L

2016-09-01

An increase in positivity of event-related potentials (ERPs) at the lateral anterior sites has been hypothesized to be an index of semantic and discourse processing, with the right lateral anterior positivity (LAP) showing particular sensitivity to discourse factors. However, the research investigating the LAP is limited; it is unclear whether the effect is driven by word class (function word versus content word) or by a more general process of structure building triggered by elements of a determiner phrase (DP). To examine the neurophysiological indices of semantic/discourse integration using two different word categories (function versus content word) in the discourse contexts and to contrast processing of these word categories in meaningful versus nonsense contexts. Planned comparisons of ERPs time locked to a function word stimulus 'the' and a content word stimulus 'cats' in sentence-initial position were conducted in both discourse and nonsense contexts to examine the time course of processing following these word forms. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the Discourse context revealed a significant interaction of condition and site due to greater positivity for 'the' relative to 'cats' at anterior and superior sites. In the Nonsense context, there was a significant interaction of condition, time and site due to greater positivity for 'the' relative to 'cats' at anterior sites from 150 to 350 ms post-stimulus offset and at superior sites from 150 to 200 ms post-stimulus offset. Overall, greater positivity for both 'the' and 'cats' was observed in the discourse relative to the nonsense context beginning approximately 150 ms post-stimulus offset. Additionally, topographical analyses were highly correlated for the two word categories when processing meaningful discourse. This topographical pattern could be characterized as a prominent right LAP. The LAP was attenuated when the target stimulus word initiated a nonsense context. The results of this study support the view that the right LAP is an index of general discourse processing rather than an index of word class. These findings demonstrate that the LAP can be used to study discourse processing in populations with compromised metalinguistic skills, such as adults with aphasia or traumatic brain injury. © 2016 Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Striking volume intolerance is induced by mimicking arterial baroreflex failure in normal left ventricular function.

PubMed

Funakoshi, Kouta; Hosokawa, Kazuya; Kishi, Takuya; Ide, Tomomi; Sunagawa, Kenji

2014-01-01

Patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are supersensitive to volume overload, and a striking increase in left atrial pressure (LAP) often occurs transiently and is rapidly resolved by intravascular volume reduction. The arterial baroreflex is a powerful regulator of intravascular stressed blood volume. We examined whether arterial baroreflex failure (FAIL) mimicked by constant carotid sinus pressure (CSP) causes a striking increase in LAP and systemic arterial pressure (AP) by volume loading in rats with normal left ventricular (LV) function. In anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats, we isolated bilateral carotid sinuses and controlled CSP by a servo-controlled piston pump. We mimicked the normal arterial baroreflex by matching CSP to instantaneous AP and FAIL by maintaining CSP at a constant value regardless of AP. We infused dextran stepwise (infused volume [Vi]) until LAP reached 15 mm Hg and obtained the LAP-Vi relationship. We estimated the critical Vi as the Vi at which LAP reached 20 mm Hg. In FAIL, critical Vi decreased markedly from 19.4 ± 1.6 mL/kg to 15.6 ± 1.6 mL/kg (P < .01), whereas AP at the critical Vi increased (194 ± 6 mm Hg vs 163 ± 6 mm Hg; P < .01). We demonstrated that an artificial arterial baroreflex system we recently developed could fully restore the physiologic volume intolerance in the absence of native arterial baroreflex. Arterial baroreflex failure induces striking volume intolerance in the absence of LV dysfunction and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute heart failure, especially in states of HFpEF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparative activity and mechanism of action of three types of bovine antimicrobial peptides against pathogenic Prototheca spp.

PubMed

Tomasinsig, Linda; Skerlavaj, Barbara; Scarsini, Michele; Guida, Filomena; Piccinini, Renata; Tossi, Alessandro; Zanetti, Margherita

2012-02-01

The yeast-like algae of the genus Prototheca are ubiquitous saprophytes causing infections in immunocompromised patients and granulomatous mastitis in cattle. Few available therapies and the rapid spread of resistant strains worldwide support the need for novel drugs against protothecosis. Host defence antimicrobial peptides inactivate a wide array of pathogens and are a rich source of leads, with the advantage of being largely unaffected by microbial resistance mechanisms. Three structurally diverse bovine peptides [BMAP-28, Bac5 and lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP)] have thus been tested for their capacity to inactivate Prototheca spp. In minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, they were all effective in the micromolar range against clinical mastitis isolates as well as a Prototheca wickerhamii reference strain. BMAP-28 sterilized Prototheca cultures within 30-60 min at its MIC, induced cell permeabilization with near 100% release of cellular adenosine triphosphate and resulted in extensive surface blebbing and release of intracellular material as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Bac5 and LAP inactivated Prototheca following 3-6 h incubation at fourfold their MIC and did not result in detectable surface damage despite 70-90% killing, suggesting they act via non-lytic mechanisms. In circular dichroism studies, the conformation of BMAP-28, but not that of Bac5 or LAP, was affected by interaction with liposomes mimicking algal membranes. Our results indicate that BMAP-28, Bac5 and LAP kill Prototheca with distinct potencies, killing kinetics, and modes of action and may be appropriate for protothecal mastitis treatment. In addition, the ability of Bac5 and LAP to act via non-lytic mechanisms may be exploited for the development of target-selective drugs. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The activity of the artemisinic aldehyde Δ11(13) reductase promoter is important for artemisinin yield in different chemotypes of Artemisia annua L.

PubMed

Yang, Ke; Monfared, Sajad Rashidi; Monafared, Rashidi Sajad; Wang, Hongzhen; Lundgren, Anneli; Brodelius, Peter E

2015-07-01

The artemisinic aldehyde double bond reductase (DBR2) plays an important role in the biosynthesis of the antimalarial artemisinin in Artemisia annua. Artemisinic aldehyde is reduced into dihydroartemisinic aldehyde by DBR2. Artemisinic aldehyde can also be oxidized by amorpha-4,11-diene 12-hydroxylase and/or aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 to artemisinic acid, a precursor of arteannuin B. In order to better understand the effects of DBR2 expression on the flow of artemisinic aldehyde into either artemisinin or arteannuin B, we determined the content of dihydroartemisinic aldehyde, artemisinin, artemisinic acid and arteannuin B content of A. annua varieties sorted into two chemotypes. The high artemisinin producers (HAPs), which includes the '2/39', 'Chongqing' and 'Anamed' varieties, produce more artemisinin than arteannuin B; the low artemisinin producers (LAPs), which include the 'Meise', 'Iran#8', 'Iran#14', 'Iran#24' and 'Iran#47' varieties, produce more arteannuin B than artemisinin. Quantitative PCR showed that the relative expression of DBR2 was significantly higher in the HAP varieties. We cloned and sequenced the promoter of the DBR2 gene from varieties of both the LAP and the HAP groups. There were deletions/insertions in the region just upstream of the ATG start codon in the LAP varities, which might be the reason for the different promoter activities of the HAP and LAP varieties. The relevance of promoter variation, DBR2 expression levels and artemisinin biosynthesis capabilities are discussed and a selection method for HAP varieties with a DNA marker is suggested. Furthermore, putative cis-acting regulatory elements differ between the HAP and LAP varieties.

Type 1 Does The Two-Step: Type 1 Secretion Substrates With A Functional Periplasmic Intermediate.

PubMed

Smith, Timothy J; Sondermann, Holger; O'Toole, George A

2018-06-04

Bacteria have evolved several secretion strategies for polling and responding to environmental flux and insult. Of these, the type 1 secretion system (T1SS) is known to secrete an array of biologically diverse proteins - from small < 10 kDa bacteriocins to gigantic adhesins with a mass over 1 MDa. For the last several decades T1SS have been characterized as a one-step translocation strategy whereby the secreted substrate is transported directly into the extracellular environment from the cytoplasm with no periplasmic intermediate. Recent phylogenetic, biochemical, and genetic evidence point to a distinct sub-group of T1SS machinery linked with a bacterial transglutaminase-like cysteine proteinase (BTLCP), which uses a two-step secretion mechanism. BTLCP-linked T1SS transport a class of repeats-in-toxin (RTX) adhesins that are critical for biofilm formation. The prototype of this RTX adhesin group, LapA of Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1, uses a novel N-terminal retention module to anchor the adhesin at the cell surface as a secretion intermediate threaded through the outer membrane-localized, TolC-like protein LapE. This secretion intermediate is post-translationally cleaved by the BTLCP family LapG protein to release LapA from its cognate T1SS pore. Thus, secretion of LapA and related RTX adhesins into the extracellular environment appears to be a T1SS-mediated, two-step process that involves a periplasmic intermediate. In this review, we contrast the T1SS machinery and substrates of the BLTCP-linked two-step secretion process with those of the classical one-step T1SS to better understand the newly recognized and expanded role of this secretion machinery. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy with excisional biopsy: six-year experience.

PubMed

Özkan, Esra Akyüz; Göret, Ceren Canbey; Özdemir, Zeynep Tuba; Yanık, Serdar; Göret, Nuri Emrah; Doğan, Meryem; Cihan, Fatma Gökşin; Akkoca, Ayşe Neslin

2015-01-01

Lymphadenopathy (LAP) may be the first symptom of many diseases. We aimed to investigate peripheral LAP results taken by excisional biopsy. Histopathological examination of 185 lymph node biopsy specimens were evaluated between January 2009 and April 2015 in Istanbul Private Ekin Pathology Laboratory, retrospectively. The average age of patients ranged from 1 to 86 was 41.01 ± 20.62 years. 87 of were female, 98 of male. 62 (33.5%) of excisional biopsy materials were benign lesions and 123 (66.5%) of malignant. Benign lesions were consisted of reactive hyperplasia, cat-scratch disease, toxoplasmosis, necrotizing/non-necrotizing granulomatous. Of these patients, 40 had nodes with reactive hyperplasia (15 female/25 male, mean age: 27.35 y), 14 had necrotizing granulomatous disease (9 female/5 male, mean age: 39.86 y), 2 non-necrotizing granulomatous disease (1 female/1 male mean age: 43 y), 4 had cat-scratch disease (1 female/3 male mean age: 54.25 y), 1 toxoplasmosis (26 y, female), 1 Kikuchi disease (25 y, female). In the evaluation of malign lesions; 38 were Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (20.5%, 17 female/21 male, mean age: 34.89 y) 77 had non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (41.6%, 37 female/40 male, mean age: 52.26 y), 8 metastasis (4.3%, 5 female/3 male, mean age: 53.5 y). Reactive LAP observed most common in cervical region, NHL in axillary-abdomen-inguinal-mediastinum and HL in the supraclavicular region. Excisional biopsy can be applied safely with minimal morbidity and mortality and a gold standard diagnostic method for LAP. Although LAP is mostly related with benign lesions, malignancy should be kept in mind in differential diagnosis.

Helios, and not FoxP3, is the marker of activated Tregs expressing GARP/LAP

PubMed Central

Elkord, Eyad; Abd Al Samid, May; Chaudhary, Belal

2015-01-01

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key players of immune regulation/dysregulation both in physiological and pathophysiological settings. Despite significant advances in understanding Treg function, there is still a pressing need to define reliable and specific markers that can distinguish different Treg subpopulations. Herein we show for the first time that markers of activated Tregs [latency associated peptide (LAP) and glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP, or LRRC32)] are expressed on CD4+FoxP3− T cells expressing Helios (FoxP3−Helios+) in the steady state. Following TCR activation, GARP/LAP are up-regulated on CD4+Helios+ T cells regardless of FoxP3 expression (FoxP3+/−Helios+). We show that CD4+GARP+/−LAP+ Tregs make IL-10 immunosuppressive cytokine but not IFN-γ effector cytokine. Further characterization of FoxP3/Helios subpopulations showed that FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs proliferate in vitro significantly less than FoxP3+Helios− Tregs upon TCR stimulation. Unlike FoxP3+Helios− Tregs, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs secrete IL-10 but not IFN-γ or IL-2, confirming they are bona fide Tregs with immunosuppressive characteristics. Taken together, Helios, and not FoxP3, is the marker of activated Tregs expressing GARP/LAP, and FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs have more suppressive characteristics, compared with FoxP3+Helios− Tregs. Our work implies that therapeutic modalities for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, allergies and graft rejection should be designed to induce and/or expand FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, while therapies against cancers or infectious diseases should avoid such expansion/induction. PMID:26343373

Virtual Reality Simulation as a Tool to Monitor Surgical Performance Indicators: VIRESI Observational Study.

PubMed

Muralha, Nuno; Oliveira, Manuel; Ferreira, Maria Amélia; Costa-Maia, José

2017-05-31

Virtual reality simulation is a topic of discussion as a complementary tool to traditional laparoscopic surgical training in the operating room. However, it is unclear whether virtual reality training can have an impact on the surgical performance of advanced laparoscopic procedures. Our objective was to assess the ability of the virtual reality simulator LAP Mentor to identify and quantify changes in surgical performance indicators, after LAP Mentor training for digestive anastomosis. Twelve surgeons from Centro Hospitalar de São João in Porto (Portugal) performed two sessions of advanced task 5: anastomosis in LAP Mentor, before and after completing the tutorial, and were evaluated on 34 surgical performance indicators. The results show that six surgical performance indicators significantly changed after LAP Mentor training. The surgeons performed the task significantly faster as the median 'total time' significantly reduced (p < 0.05) from 759.5 to 523.5 seconds. Significant decreases (p < 0.05) were also found in median 'total needle loading time' (303.3 to 107.8 seconds), 'average needle loading time' (38.5 to 31.0 seconds), 'number of passages in which the needle passed precisely through the entrance dots' (2.5 to 1.0), 'time the needle was held outside the visible field' (20.9 to 2.4 seconds), and 'total time the needle-holders' ends are kept outside the predefined operative field' (88.2 to 49.6 seconds). This study raises the possibility of using virtual reality training simulation as a benchmark tool to assess the surgical performance of Portuguese surgeons. LAP Mentor is able to identify variations in surgical performance indicators of digestive anastomosis.

Tactical Behaviors in Men's 800-m Olympic and World-Championship Medalists: A Changing of the Guard.

PubMed

Sandford, Gareth N; Pearson, Simon; Allen, Sian V; Malcata, Rita M; Kilding, Andrew E; Ross, Angus; Laursen, Paul B

2018-02-01

To assess the longitudinal evolution of tactical behaviors used to medal in men's 800-m Olympic Games (OG) or world-championship (WC) events in the recent competition era (2000-2016). Thirteen OG and WC events were characterized for 1st- and 2nd-lap splits using available footage from YouTube. Positive pacing strategies were defined as a faster 1st lap. Season's best 800-m time and world ranking, reflective of an athlete's "peak condition," were obtained to determine relationships between adopted tactics and physical condition prior to the championships. Seven championship events provided coverage of all medalists to enable determination of average 100-m speed and sector pacing of medalists. From 2011 onward, 800-m OG and WC medalists showed a faster 1st lap by 2.2 ± 1.1 s (mean, ±90% confidence limits; large difference, very likely), contrasting a possibly faster 2nd lap from 2000 to 2009 (0.5, ±0.4 s; moderate difference). A positive pacing strategy was related to a higher world ranking prior to the championships (r = .94, .84-.98; extremely large, most likely). After 2011, the fastest 100-m sector from 800-m OG and WC medalists was faster than before 2009 by 0.5, ±0.2 m/s (large difference, most likely). A secular change in tactical racing behavior appears evident in 800-m championships; since 2011, medalists have largely run faster 1st laps and have faster 100-m sector-speed requirements. This finding may be pertinent for training, tactical preparation, and talent identification of athletes preparing for 800-m running at OGs and WCs.

Kinematics of pediatric crash dummies seated on vehicle seats with realistic belt geometry.

PubMed

Klinich, Kathleen D; Reed, Matthew P; Ebert, Sheila M; Rupp, Jonathan D

2014-01-01

A series of sled tests was performed using vehicle seats and Hybrid-III 6-year-old (6YO) and 10YO anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) to explore possibilities for improving occupant protection for children who are not using belt-positioning booster seats. Cushion length was varied from production length of 450 mm to a shorter length of 350 mm. Lap belt geometry was set to rear, mid, and forward anchorage locations that span the range of lap belt angles found in vehicles. Six tests each were performed with the 6YO and 10YO Hybrid III ATDs. One additional test was performed using a booster seat with the 6YO. The ATDs were positioned using an updated version of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) seating procedure that positions the ATD hips further forward with longer seat cushions to reflect the effect of cushion length on posture that has been measured with child volunteers. ATD kinematics were evaluated using peak head excursion, peak knee excursion, the difference between peak head and peak knee excursion, and the maximum torso angle. Shortening the seat cushion improved kinematic outcomes, particularly for the 10YO. Lap belt geometry had a greater effect on kinematics with the longer cushion length, with mid or forward belt geometries producing better kinematics than the rearward belt geometry. The worst kinematics for both ATDs occurred with the long cushion length and rearward lap belt geometry. The improvements in kinematics from shorter cushion length or more forward belt geometry are smaller than those provided by a booster seat. The results show potential benefits in occupant protection from shortening cushion length and increasing lap belt angles, particularly for children the size of the 10YO ATD.

Quality and performance indicators in an academic department of head and neck surgery.

PubMed

Weber, Randal S; Lewis, Carol M; Eastman, Scott D; Hanna, Ehab Y; Akiwumi, Olubumi; Hessel, Amy C; Lai, Stephen Y; Kian, Leslie; Kupferman, Michael E; Roberts, Dianna B

2010-12-01

to create a method for assessing physician performance and care outcomes that are adjusted for procedure acuity and patient comorbidity. between 2004 and 2008 surgical procedures performed by 10 surgeons were stratified into high-acuity procedures (HAPs) and low-acuity procedures (LAPs). Risk adjustment was made for comorbid conditions examined singly or in groups of 2 or more. a tertiary care medical center. a total of 2618 surgical patients. performance measures included length of stay; return to operating room within 7 days of surgery; and the occurrence of mortality, hospital readmission, transfusion, and wound infection within 30 days of surgery. the transfusion rate was 2.7% and 40.6% for LAPs and HAPs, respectively. Wound infection rates were 1.4% for LAPs vs 14.1% for HAPs, while 30-day mortality rate was 0.3% and 1.6% for LAPs and HAPs, respectively. The mean (SD) hospital stay for LAPs was 2.1 (3.6) vs 10.5 (7.0) days for HAPs. Negative performance factors were significantly higher for patients who underwent HAPs and had comorbid conditions. Differences among surgeons significantly affect the incidence of negative performance indicators. Factors affecting performance measures were procedure acuity, the surgeon, and comorbidity, in order of decreasing significance. Surgeons were ranked low, middle, and high based on negative performance indicators. performance measures following oncologic procedures were significantly affected by comorbid conditions and by procedure acuity. Although the latter most strongly affects quality and performance indicators, both should weigh heavily in physician comparisons. The incidence of negative performance indicators was also influenced by the individual surgeon. These data may serve as a tool to evaluate and improve physician performance and outcomes and to develop risk-adjusted benchmarks. Ultimately, reimbursement may be tied to quantifiable measures of physician and institutional performance.

An audit and feedback system for effective quality improvement in head and neck surgery: Can we become better surgeons?

PubMed

Lewis, Carol M; Monroe, Marcus M; Roberts, Dianna B; Hessel, Amy C; Lai, Stephen Y; Weber, Randal S

2015-05-15

An evaluation system was established for measuring physician performance. This study was designed to determine whether an initial evaluation with surgeon feedback improved subsequent performance. After an evaluation of an initial cohort of procedures (2004-2008), surgeons were given risk-adjusted individual feedback. Procedures in a postfeedback cohort (2009-2010) were then assessed. Both groups were further stratified into high-acuity procedure (HAP) and low-acuity procedure (LAP) groups. Negative performance measures included the length of the perioperative stay (2 days or longer for LAPs and 11 days or longer for HAPs); perioperative blood transfusions; a return to the operating room within 7 days; and readmission, surgical site infections, and mortality within 30 days. There were 2618 procedures in the initial cohort and 1389 procedures in the postfeedback cohort. Factors affecting performance included the surgeon, the procedure's acuity, and patient comorbidities. There were no significant differences in the proportions of LAPs and HAPs or in the prevalence of patient comorbidities between the 2 assessment periods. The mean length of stay significantly decreased for LAPs from 2.1 to 1.5 days (P = .005) and for HAPs from 10.5 to 7 days (P = .003). The incidence of 1 or more negative performance indicators decreased significantly for LAPs from 39.1% to 28.6% (P < .001) and trended downward for HAPs from 60.9% to 53.5% (P = .081). Periodic assessments of performance and outcomes are essential for continual quality improvement. Significant decreases in the length of stay and negative performance indicators were seen after feedback. Therefore, an audit and feedback system may be an effective means of improving quality of care and reducing practice variability within a surgical department. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

Quantifying Source Sector and Region Contributions of BC and Dust Deposition on the Arctic Snow and the Resulting Albedo Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobhani, N.; Gregory, C.; Kulkarni, S.

2017-12-01

Long-range transport of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) from mid-latitude sources to the Arctic is the main contributor to the Arctic PM loadings and deposition. Light absorbing particles such as Black Carbon (BC) and dust are considered of great climatic importance and are the main absorbers of sunlight in the atmosphere. Wet and dry deposition of light absorbing particles (LAPs) on snow and ice cause reduction of snow and ice albedo. LAPs have significant radiative forcing and effect on snow albedo causing snow and ice to warm and melt more quickly. There are large uncertainties in estimating radiative forcing of LAPs. In this study, the potential impacts of LAPs from different emission source regions and sectors on snow albedo in the Arctic are studied. A modeling framework including Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) and the University of Iowa's Sulfur Transport and dEpostion model (STEM) is used to simulate the seasonality and transport of LAPs from different geographical sources and sectors (i.e. transportation, residential, industry, biomass burning and power) to the Arctic. The main geographical source contributor to the Arctic BC annual deposition flux is China. However, there is a distinct seasonal variation for the contributions of geographical source emissions to BC deposition. During the spring, when the deposition flux is highest, the contribution of biomass burning attributes for up to 40% of total deposition at Alert and Barrow. However, during the winter, the anthropogenic sectors contribute up to 95% of total BC deposition. The simulated snow BC mixing ratios are evaluated using the observed BC snow concentration values from previous studies including Doherty et al., 2010. The simulations show the BC deposition causes 0.6% snow albedo decrease during spring 2008 over the Arctic.

Ethanol consumption in mice: relationships with circadian period and entrainment.

PubMed

Trujillo, Jennifer L; Do, David T; Grahame, Nicholas J; Roberts, Amanda J; Gorman, Michael R

2011-03-01

A functional connection between the circadian timing system and alcohol consumption is suggested by multiple lines of converging evidence. Ethanol consumption perturbs physiological rhythms in hormone secretion, sleep, and body temperature; and conversely, genetic and environmental perturbations of the circadian system can alter alcohol intake. A fundamental property of the circadian pacemaker, the endogenous period of its cycle under free-running conditions, was previously shown to differ between selectively bred high- (HAP) and low- (LAP) alcohol preferring replicate 1 mice. To test whether there is a causal relationship between circadian period and ethanol intake, we induced experimental, rather than genetic, variations in free-running period. Male inbred C57Bl/6J mice and replicate 2 male and female HAP2 and LAP2 mice were entrained to light:dark cycles of 26 or 22 h or remained in a standard 24 h cycle. On discontinuation of the light:dark cycle, experimental animals exhibited longer and shorter free-running periods, respectively. Despite robust effects on circadian period and clear circadian rhythms in drinking, these manipulations failed to alter the daily ethanol intake of the inbred strain or selected lines. Likewise, driving the circadian system at long and short periods produced no change in alcohol intake. In contrast with replicate 1 HAP and LAP lines, there was no difference in free-running period between ethanol naïve HAP2 and LAP2 mice. HAP2 mice, however, were significantly more active than LAP2 mice as measured by general home-cage movement and wheel running, a motivated behavior implicating a selection effect on reward systems. Despite a marked circadian regulation of drinking behavior, the free-running and entrained period of the circadian clock does not determine daily ethanol intake. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Early Evolution of Comet 67P Studied with the RPC-LAP onboard Rosetta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miloch, W. J.; Yang, L.; Paulsson, J. J.; Wedlund, C. S.; Odelstad, E.; Edberg, N. J. T.; Koenders, C.; Eriksson, A.

2016-12-01

In-situ measurements within the Rosetta mission allow for studies of the cometary environment at different stages of cometary evolution. The Rosetta Plasma Consortium (RPC) is a set of five instruments on board the spacecraft that specialise in the measurements of plasma environment of comet 67P. One of the instruments is RPC-LAP, which consists of two Langmuir Probes and can measure the density, temperature, and flow speed of the plasma in the vicinity of the comet. At the early stage of the Rosetta mission, when the spacecraft is far from the nucleus of comet 67P, the ion part of the current-voltage characteristics of RPC-LAP1 is dominated by the photoemission current, which surpasses the currents from the dilute solar wind plasma. As Rosetta starts orbiting around the nucleus in September 2014, LAP1 picks up signatures of local plasma density enhancements corresponding to variations of water-group ions observed in the vicinity of the comet. With the help of current-voltage characteristics and the spacecraft potential, we identify and characterise in space and time the entering of this coma-dominated, high-density plasma region. This high-density region is observed at the northern hemisphere of the comet during early activity. The transition manifests as a steep gradient in the density with respect to the distance to the comet nucleus. We discuss these RPC-LAP results together with the corresponding measurements by other instruments to provide a comprehensive picture of the transition. We show that the early cometary plasma can be seen as composed of two distinct regions: an outer region characterised by solar wind plasma and small quantities of pickup ions, and an inner region with enhanced plasma densities.

Minithyrotomy with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

PubMed

Desai, Shaun C; Park, Andrea M; Chernock, Rebecca D; Paniello, Randal C

2016-10-01

A simple, safe and effective surgical alternative for treating adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) would appeal to many patients. This study evaluates a new option, using radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT) of the thyroarytenoid muscle (TA) via the minithyrotomy approach to reduce the force of adduction. Fifteen dogs were used. In part 1, the optimal RFITT power settings, exposure time, probe location, and number of passes were determined. Part 2 compared laryngeal adductor pressures (LAPs) at baseline; immediately postintervention; and at 1, 3, or 6 months postintervention. Interventions included RFITT via the transcervical minithyrotomy approach (n = 15), transoral RFITT (n = 3), botulinum toxin (Botox) injection (n = 3), or no-intervention controls (n = 3). Postintervention induced phonation and histologic analyses were performed as well. In the minithyrotomy RFITT group, the mean LAP was 30.3% of baseline immediately posttreatment. At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the mean LAPs were 24.9%, 44.8%, and 43.5%, respectively. Transoral RFITT reduced LAP to 56.6% of baseline immediately posttreatment, but returned to normal in the 1 and 3 month animals. The Botox injections dropped the LAP to 57% of baseline at 1 month, but returned to normal at 3 months. Mucosal waves, based on induced phonation stroboscopy, were present at the terminal date in all animals. Thirteen of 15 transcervical RFITT preparations (87%) showed no injury to the lamina propria, whereas 80% showed evidence of TA muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Minithyrotomy RFITT is a feasible technique that shows encouraging long-term results for the potential treatment of patients with ADSD. N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:2325-2329, 2016. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Dual-band infrared (DBIR) imaging inspections of Boeing 737 and KC-135 aircraft panels

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

Del Grande, N.K.; Dolan, K.W.; Durbin, P.F.

1993-08-27

We apply dual-band infrared (DBIR) imaging as a dynamic thermal tomography tool for wide area inspection of a Boeing 737 aircraft, and several Boeing KC-135 aircraft panels. Our analyses are discussed in this report. After flash-heating the aircraft skin, we record synchronized DBIR images every 40 ms, from onset to 8 seconds after the heat flash. We analyze selective DBIR image ratios which enhance surface temperature contrast and remove surface-emissivity clutter (from dirt, dents, tape, markings, ink, sealants, uneven paint, paint stripper, exposed metal and roughness variations). The Boeing 737 and KC-135 aircraft fuselage panels have varying percent thickness lossesmore » from corrosion. We established the correlation of percent thickness loss with surface temperature rise (above ambient) for a partially corroded F-18 wing box structure and several aluminum reference panels. Based on this correlation, lap splice temperatures rise 1{degrees}C per 24 {plus_minus} 5 % material loss at 0.4 s after the heat flash. We show tables, charts and temperature maps of typical lap splice material losses for the riveted (and bonded) Boeing 737, and the riveted (but unbonded) Boeing KC-135. We map the fuselage composite thermal inertia, based on the (inverse) slope of the surface temperature versus inverse square root of time. Composite thermal inertia maps characterize shallow skin defects within the lap splice at early times (<0.3 s) and deeper skin defects within the lap splice at late times (>0.4 s). Late time composite thermal inertia maps depict where corrosion-related thickness losses occur. Lap splice sites on a typical Boeing KC-135 panel with low composite thermal inertia values had high skin-thickness losses from corrosion.« less

Dynamic thermal tomography for nondestructive inspection of aging aircraft

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

Del Grande, N.K.; Dolan, K.W.; Durbin, P.F.

1993-11-01

The authors apply dual-band infrared (DBIR) imaging as a dynamic thermal tomography tool for wide area inspection of a Boeing 737 aircraft and several Boeing KC-135 aircraft panels. The analyses are discussed in this report. After flash-heating the aircraft skin, they record synchronized DBIR images every 40 ms, from onset to 8 seconds after the heat flash. They analyze selective DBIR image ratios which enhance surface temperature contrast and remove surface-emissivity clutter. The Boeing 737 and KC-135 aircraft fuselage panels have varying percent thickness losses from corrosion. They established the correlation of percent thickness loss with surface temperature rise (abovemore » ambient) for a partially corroded F-18 wing box structure and several aluminum plates which had 6 to 60% thickness losses at milled flat-bottom hole sites. Based on this correlation, lap splice temperatures rise 1C per 24 {plus_minus} 5% material loss at 0.4 s after the heat flash. They tabulate and map corrosion-related percent thickness loss effects for the riveted Boeing 737, and the riveted Boeing KKC-135. They map the fuselage composite thermal inertia, based on the (inverse) slope of the surface temperature versus inverse square root of time. Composite thermal inertia maps characterized shallow skin defects within the lap splice at early times (< 0.3 s) and deeper skin defects within the lap splice at late times (> 0.4 s). Late time composite thermal inertia maps depict where corrosion-related thickness losses occur (e.g., on the inside of the Boeing 737 lap splice, beneath the galley and the latrine). Lap splice sites on a typical Boeing KC-135 panel with low composite thermal inertia values had high skin-thickness losses from corrosion.« less

Ethanol consumption in mice: relationships with circadian period and entrainment

PubMed Central

Trujillo, Jennifer L.; Do, David T.; Grahame, Nicholas J.; Roberts, Amanda J.; Gorman, Michael R.

2011-01-01

A functional connection between the circadian timing system and alcohol consumption is suggested by multiple lines of converging evidence. Ethanol consumption perturbs physiological rhythms in hormone secretion, sleep and body temperature, and conversely, genetic and environmental perturbations of the circadian system can alter alcohol intake. A fundamental property of the circadian pacemaker, the endogenous period of its cycle under free-running conditions, was previously shown to differ between selectively bred High- (HAP) and Low- (LAP) Alcohol Preferring replicate 1 mice. To test whether there is a causal relationship between circadian period and ethanol intake, we induced experimental, rather than genetic, variations in free-running period. Male inbred C57Bl/6J mice and replicate 2 male and female HAP2 and LAP2 mice were entrained to light:dark cycles of 26 h or 22 h or remained in a standard 24 h cycle. Upon discontinuation of the light:dark cycle, experimental animals exhibited longer and shorter free-running periods, respectively. Despite robust effects on circadian period and clear circadian rhythms in drinking, these manipulations failed to alter the daily ethanol intake of the inbred strain or selected lines. Likewise, driving the circadian system at long and short periods produced no change in alcohol intake. In contrast with replicate 1 HAP and LAP lines, there was no difference in free-running period between ethanol naïve HAP2 and LAP2 mice. HAP2 mice, however, were significantly more active than LAP2 mice as measured by general home-cage movement and wheel running, a motivated behavior implicating a selection effect on reward systems. Despite a marked circadian regulation of drinking behavior, the free-running and entrained period of the circadian clock does not determine daily ethanol intake. PMID:20880659

Changes in New Zealand's alcohol environment following implementation of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (2012).

PubMed

Randerson, Stephen; Casswell, Sally; Huckle, Taisia

2018-06-08

To assess the impact of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (SSAA) on the alcohol environment from 2013 to 2015. A mixed methods study incorporating key informant interviews and administrative data to assess changes between 2013 and 2015. Perceptions of the alcohol environment, policy enforcement and policy compliance were thematically analysed and quantitative ratings summarised. Concurrent changes to drink driving law were included. The SSAA led to a slight reduction in very late night availability in urban centres via the national 4am limit for on-licensed premises trading, which had strong compliance and enforcement. A slight increase in the perceived difficulty of obtaining licences was attributed to increased public opposition, licensing procedures and expanded application criteria. Proposed local alcohol policy (LAP) limits on trading hours and premise locations were delayed and weakened by extensive legal appeals from alcohol retailers. Only five LAPs were in force by 2015. No impact on number of premises, supply to minors or marketing was identified. Reductions in drink drive behaviour and increased availability of lower-strength beer were attributed to the lower legal blood alcohol limit for driving. Maximum trading hours were the only element of the SSAA found to create a swift change in the alcohol environment, by slightly reducing availability in main cities. LAPs and new licence criteria may gradually constrain future availability, but the strength of LAPs has been muted by alcohol industry appeals. Introducing national, evidence-based policy measures would assist the SSAA to achieve its aim of minimising harm more swiftly, as would measures to protect the LAP development process from alcohol industry influence.

Estimation of spectral kurtosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutawanir

2017-03-01

Rolling bearings are the most important elements in rotating machinery. Bearing frequently fall out of service for various reasons: heavy loads, unsuitable lubrications, ineffective sealing. Bearing faults may cause a decrease in performance. Analysis of bearing vibration signals has attracted attention in the field of monitoring and fault diagnosis. Bearing vibration signals give rich information for early detection of bearing failures. Spectral kurtosis, SK, is a parameter in frequency domain indicating how the impulsiveness of a signal varies with frequency. Faults in rolling bearings give rise to a series of short impulse responses as the rolling elements strike faults, SK potentially useful for determining frequency bands dominated by bearing fault signals. SK can provide a measure of the distance of the analyzed bearings from a healthy one. SK provides additional information given by the power spectral density (psd). This paper aims to explore the estimation of spectral kurtosis using short time Fourier transform known as spectrogram. The estimation of SK is similar to the estimation of psd. The estimation falls in model-free estimation and plug-in estimator. Some numerical studies using simulations are discussed to support the methodology. Spectral kurtosis of some stationary signals are analytically obtained and used in simulation study. Kurtosis of time domain has been a popular tool for detecting non-normality. Spectral kurtosis is an extension of kurtosis in frequency domain. The relationship between time domain and frequency domain analysis is establish through power spectrum-autocovariance Fourier transform. Fourier transform is the main tool for estimation in frequency domain. The power spectral density is estimated through periodogram. In this paper, the short time Fourier transform of the spectral kurtosis is reviewed, a bearing fault (inner ring and outer ring) is simulated. The bearing response, power spectrum, and spectral kurtosis are plotted to visualize the pattern of each fault. Keywords: frequency domain Fourier transform, spectral kurtosis, bearing fault

Simultaneous storage of medical images in the spatial and frequency domain: A comparative study

PubMed Central

Nayak, Jagadish; Bhat, P Subbanna; Acharya U, Rajendra; UC, Niranjan

2004-01-01

Background Digital watermarking is a technique of hiding specific identification data for copyright authentication. This technique is adapted here for interleaving patient information with medical images, to reduce storage and transmission overheads. Methods The patient information is encrypted before interleaving with images to ensure greater security. The bio-signals are compressed and subsequently interleaved with the image. This interleaving is carried out in the spatial domain and Frequency domain. The performance of interleaving in the spatial, Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) coefficients is studied. Differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) is employed for data compression as well as encryption and results are tabulated for a specific example. Results It can be seen from results, the process does not affect the picture quality. This is attributed to the fact that the change in LSB of a pixel changes its brightness by 1 part in 256. Spatial and DFT domain interleaving gave very less %NRMSE as compared to DCT and DWT domain. Conclusion The Results show that spatial domain the interleaving, the %NRMSE was less than 0.25% for 8-bit encoded pixel intensity. Among the frequency domain interleaving methods, DFT was found to be very efficient. PMID:15180899

Low-hazard metallography of moisture-sensitive electrochemical cells.

PubMed

Wesolowski, D E; Rodriguez, M A; McKenzie, B B; Papenguth, H W

2011-08-01

A low-hazard approach is presented to prepare metallographic cross-sections of moisture-sensitive battery components. The approach is tailored for evaluation of thermal (molten salt) batteries composed of thin pressed-powder pellets, but has general applicability to other battery electrochemistries. Solution-cast polystyrene is used to encapsulate cells before embedding in epoxy. Nonaqueous grinding and polishing are performed in an industrial dry room to increase throughput. Lapping oil is used as a lubricant throughout grinding. Hexane is used as the solvent throughout processing; occupational exposure levels are well below the limits. Light optical and scanning electron microscopy on cross-sections are used to analyse a thermal battery cell. Spatially resolved X-ray diffraction on oblique angle cut cells complement the metallographic analysis. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Method and apparatus for wavefront sensing

DOEpatents

Bahk, Seung-Whan

2016-08-23

A method of measuring characteristics of a wavefront of an incident beam includes obtaining an interferogram associated with the incident beam passing through a transmission mask and Fourier transforming the interferogram to provide a frequency domain interferogram. The method also includes selecting a subset of harmonics from the frequency domain interferogram, individually inverse Fourier transforming each of the subset of harmonics to provide a set of spatial domain harmonics, and extracting a phase profile from each of the set of spatial domain harmonics. The method further includes removing phase discontinuities in the phase profile, rotating the phase profile, and reconstructing a phase front of the wavefront of the incident beam.

Comparison of fresh-frozen cadaver and high-fidelity virtual reality simulator as methods of laparoscopic training.

PubMed

Sharma, Mitesh; Horgan, Alan

2012-08-01

The aim of this study was to compare fresh-frozen cadavers (FFC) with a high-fidelity virtual reality simulator (VRS) as training tools in minimal access surgery for complex and relatively simple procedures. A prospective comparative face validity study between FFC and VRS (LAP Mentor(™)) was performed. Surgeons were recruited to perform tasks on both FFC and VRS appropriately paired to their experience level. Group A (senior) performed a laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy, Group B (intermediate) performed a laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, and Group C (junior) performed basic laparoscopic tasks (BLT) (camera manipulation, hand-eye coordination, tissue dissection and hand-transferring skills). Each subject completed a 5-point Likert-type questionnaire rating the training modalities in nine domains. Data were analysed using nonparametric tests. Forty-five surgeons were recruited to participate (15 per skill group). Median scores for subjects in Group A were significantly higher for evaluation of FFC in all nine domains compared to VRS (p < 0.01). Group B scored FFC significantly better (p < 0.05) in all domains except task replication (p = 0.06). Group C scored FFC significantly better (p < 0.01) in eight domains but not on performance feedback (p = 0.09). When compared across groups, juniors accepted VRS as a training model more than did intermediate and senior groups on most domains (p < 0.01) except team work. Fresh-frozen cadaver is perceived as a significantly overall better model for laparoscopic training than the high-fidelity VRS by all training grades, irrespective of the complexity of the operative procedure performed. VRS is still useful when training junior trainees in BLT.

Phanerozoic geological evolution of the Equatorial Atlantic domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basile, Christophe; Mascle, Jean; Guiraud, René

2005-10-01

The Phanerozoic geological evolution of the Equatorial Atlantic domain has been controlled since the end of Early Cretaceous by the Romanche and Saint Paul transform faults. These faults did not follow the PanAfrican shear zones, but were surimposed on Palæozoic basins. From Neocomian to Barremian, the Central Atlantic rift propagated southward in Cassiporé and Marajó basins, and the South Atlantic rift propagated northward in Potiguar and Benue basins. During Aptian times, the Equatorial Atlantic transform domain appeared as a transfer zone between the northward propagating tip of South Atlantic and the Central Atlantic. Between the transform faults, oceanic accretion started during Late Aptian in small divergent segments, from south to north: Benin-Mundaú, deep Ivorian basin-Barreirinhas, Liberia-Cassiporé. From Late Aptian to Late Albian, the Togo-Ghana-Ceará basins appeared along the Romanche transform fault, and Côte d'Ivoire-Parà-Maranhão basins along Saint Paul transform fault. They were rapidly subsiding in intra-continental settings. During Late Cretaceous, these basins became active transform continental margins, and passive margins since Santonian times. In the same time, the continental edge uplifted leading either to important erosion on the shelf or to marginal ridges parallel to the transform faults in deeper settings.

Image coding of SAR imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, C. Y.; Kwok, R.; Curlander, J. C.

1987-01-01

Five coding techniques in the spatial and transform domains have been evaluated for SAR image compression: linear three-point predictor (LTPP), block truncation coding (BTC), microadaptive picture sequencing (MAPS), adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT), and adaptive Hadamard transform (AHT). These techniques have been tested with Seasat data. Both LTPP and BTC spatial domain coding techniques provide very good performance at rates of 1-2 bits/pixel. The two transform techniques, ADCT and AHT, demonstrate the capability to compress the SAR imagery to less than 0.5 bits/pixel without visible artifacts. Tradeoffs such as the rate distortion performance, the computational complexity, the algorithm flexibility, and the controllability of compression ratios are also discussed.

Mutation of the Salt Bridge-forming Residues in the ETV6-SAM Domain Interface Blocks ETV6-NTRK3-induced Cellular Transformation*

PubMed Central

Cetinbas, Naniye; Huang-Hobbs, Helen; Tognon, Cristina; Leprivier, Gabriel; An, Jianghong; McKinney, Steven; Bowden, Mary; Chow, Connie; Gleave, Martin; McIntosh, Lawrence P.; Sorensen, Poul H.

2013-01-01

The ETV6-NTRK3 (EN) chimeric oncogene is expressed in diverse tumor types. EN is generated by a t(12;15) translocation, which fuses the N-terminal SAM (sterile α-motif) domain of the ETV6 (or TEL) transcription factor to the C-terminal PTK (protein-tyrosine kinase) domain of the neurotrophin-3 receptor NTRK3. SAM domain-mediated polymerization of EN leads to constitutive activation of the PTK domain and constitutive signaling of the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways, which are essential for EN oncogenesis. Here we show through complementary biophysical and cellular biological techniques that mutation of Lys-99, which participates in a salt bridge at the SAM polymer interface, reduces self-association of the isolated SAM domain as well as high molecular mass complex formation of EN and abrogates the transformation activity of EN. We also show that mutation of Asp-101, the intermolecular salt bridge partner of Lys-99, similarly blocks transformation of NIH3T3 cells by EN, reduces EN tyrosine phosphorylation, inhibits Akt and Mek1/2 signaling downstream of EN, and abolishes tumor formation in nude mice. In contrast, mutations of Glu-100 and Arg-103, residues in the vicinity of the interdomain Lys-99–Asp-101 salt bridge, have little or no effect on these oncogenic characteristics of EN. Our results underscore the importance of specific electrostatic interactions for SAM polymerization and EN transformation. PMID:23798677

Mutation of the salt bridge-forming residues in the ETV6-SAM domain interface blocks ETV6-NTRK3-induced cellular transformation.

PubMed

Cetinbas, Naniye; Huang-Hobbs, Helen; Tognon, Cristina; Leprivier, Gabriel; An, Jianghong; McKinney, Steven; Bowden, Mary; Chow, Connie; Gleave, Martin; McIntosh, Lawrence P; Sorensen, Poul H

2013-09-27

The ETV6-NTRK3 (EN) chimeric oncogene is expressed in diverse tumor types. EN is generated by a t(12;15) translocation, which fuses the N-terminal SAM (sterile α-motif) domain of the ETV6 (or TEL) transcription factor to the C-terminal PTK (protein-tyrosine kinase) domain of the neurotrophin-3 receptor NTRK3. SAM domain-mediated polymerization of EN leads to constitutive activation of the PTK domain and constitutive signaling of the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways, which are essential for EN oncogenesis. Here we show through complementary biophysical and cellular biological techniques that mutation of Lys-99, which participates in a salt bridge at the SAM polymer interface, reduces self-association of the isolated SAM domain as well as high molecular mass complex formation of EN and abrogates the transformation activity of EN. We also show that mutation of Asp-101, the intermolecular salt bridge partner of Lys-99, similarly blocks transformation of NIH3T3 cells by EN, reduces EN tyrosine phosphorylation, inhibits Akt and Mek1/2 signaling downstream of EN, and abolishes tumor formation in nude mice. In contrast, mutations of Glu-100 and Arg-103, residues in the vicinity of the interdomain Lys-99-Asp-101 salt bridge, have little or no effect on these oncogenic characteristics of EN. Our results underscore the importance of specific electrostatic interactions for SAM polymerization and EN transformation.

A Practical Engineering Approach to Predicting Fatigue Crack Growth in Riveted Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Charles E.; Piascik, Robert S.; Newman, James C., Jr.

1999-01-01

An extensive experimental database has been assembled from very detailed teardown examinations of fatigue cracks found in rivet holes of fuselage structural components. Based on this experimental database, a comprehensive analysis methodology was developed to predict the onset of widespread fatigue damage in lap joints of fuselage structure. Several computer codes were developed with specialized capabilities to conduct the various analyses that make up the comprehensive methodology. Over the past several years, the authors have interrogated various aspects of the analysis methods to determine the degree of computational rigor required to produce numerical predictions with acceptable engineering accuracy. This study led to the formulation of a practical engineering approach to predicting fatigue crack growth in riveted lap joints. This paper describes the practical engineering approach and compares predictions with the results from several experimental studies.

A Practical Engineering Approach to Predicting Fatigue Crack Growth in Riveted Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, C. E.; Piascik, R. S.; Newman, J. C., Jr.

2000-01-01

An extensive experimental database has been assembled from very detailed teardown examinations of fatigue cracks found in rivet holes of fuselage structural components. Based on this experimental database, a comprehensive analysis methodology was developed to predict the onset of widespread fatigue damage in lap joints of fuselage structure. Several computer codes were developed with specialized capabilities to conduct the various analyses that make up the comprehensive methodology. Over the past several years, the authors have interrogated various aspects of the analysis methods to determine the degree of computational rigor required to produce numerical predictions with acceptable engineering accuracy. This study led to the formulation of a practical engineering approach to predicting fatigue crack growth in riveted lap joints. This paper describes the practical engineering approach and compares predictions with the results from several experimental studies.

Lamb wave-based damage quantification and probability of detection modeling for fatigue life assessment of riveted lap joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Jingjing; Wang, Dengjiang; Zhang, Weifang

2015-03-01

This study presents an experimental and modeling study for damage detection and quantification in riveted lap joints. Embedded lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric (PZT) ceramic wafer-type sensors are employed to perform in-situ non-destructive testing during fatigue cyclical loading. A multi-feature integration method is developed to quantify the crack size using signal features of correlation coefficient, amplitude change, and phase change. In addition, probability of detection (POD) model is constructed to quantify the reliability of the developed sizing method. Using the developed crack size quantification method and the resulting POD curve, probabilistic fatigue life prediction can be performed to provide comprehensive information for decision-making. The effectiveness of the overall methodology is demonstrated and validated using several aircraft lap joint specimens from different manufactures and under different loading conditions.

Determination of Arsenic Poisoning and Metabolism in Hair by Synchrotron Radiation: The Case of Phar Lap

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

Kempson, Ivan M.; Henry, Dermot A.; U. South Australia)

2010-08-26

Fresh physical evidence about the demise of the racehorse Phar Lap (see photograph) has been gathered from the study of mane hair samples by synchrotron radiation analysis with high resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analyses. The results are indicative of arsenic ingestion and metabolism, and show that the racing champion died from arsenic poisoning.

Introduction to Fish and Shellfish. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.13a. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with fish and shellfish for restaurant use. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these areas: buying and storing fish and…

Preparing Stocks. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.10a. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with the uses for and types of stocks and also gives information on how to cook, cool, and store stocks. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities…

Creation of an Aeronautical Capstone Design Project Program at Ohio State University

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-08

Equation 12 below. As Figure 35 shows, a single adhesively bonded lap joint is considered. The epoxy only sees a load in the axial direction. In...lap joint [1] = = ( ) 12 =stress distribution factor = applied load in the axial direction ...Figure 11. The joints are designed to handle the bending loads of horizontal, vertical and angled deployment and are designed to directly load the carbon

Yeast Breads. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.15a. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with yeast breads and their ingredients. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these areas: yeast breads and their ingredients,…

Preparing Soups. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.10b. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with preparing and serving soups. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these areas: thin soups, thick soups, convenience soups,…

Hybrid Microcircuit Rework Procedures Evaluation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

replacement Task III. Polymer Attachment Rework (a) Die replacement (b) Substrate replacement Task IV. Interconnection Rework (a) Gold and aluminum ...the following conclusions: (a) Lap Shear Strength The shear strength ( aluminum to aluminum ) values ranged from a high of 4000 psi (for Ablefilm 550...bonded specimens ( aluminum to aluminum ) to 150°C for 10, 20 and 35 days prior to testing. No significant degradation of lap shear strength of any of the

Relationship between Adherence to Individual Goals within the 5-2-1-0 Guidelines for Obesity Prevention and Number of PACER Laps in Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cho, Kibum; Jones, Emily; Lilly, Christa; Bulger, Sean; Braga, Luciana; Elliott, Eloise

2017-01-01

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between adolescents' adherence to the 5-2-1-0 goals and the number of completed Progressive Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) laps. Methods: Participants included 1792 students aged 10 to 16 years who were randomly selected across 9 data collection periods between 2012 and…

Assessment of Postoperative Pain in Cats After Ovariectomy by Laparoscopy, Median Celiotomy, or Flank Laparotomy.

PubMed

Gauthier, Olivier; Holopherne-Doran, Delphine; Gendarme, Thalia; Chebroux, Alexandre; Thorin, Chantal; Tainturier, Daniel; Bencharif, Djemil

2015-07-01

To compare postoperative pain, duration of surgery, and duration of anesthesia for 3 methods of ovariectomy in cats: (1) conventional ventral median open approach (Midline), (2) right flank approach (Flank), and (3) median 2-portal laparoscopic procedure (Lap). Randomized, prospective clinical trial. Healthy, sexually intact female cats (n = 60). Cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: Midline (n = 20), Flank (20), and Lap (20) were evaluated 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours after endotracheal extubation. Postoperative pain was scored using the 4A-vet pain scale that combines a subjective numerical pain rating and objective scoring of physiologic and behavioral variables including the response to stimulation of the surgical site. Pain scores (PS) were compared between groups. There was a significant difference in the PS between groups. PS for Midline and Flank were not significantly different but were both significantly higher compared with Lap. Depending on time, 5-20% of the cats had intense postoperative pain in both Midline and Flank groups. None of the Lap cats had intense postoperative pain. Laparoscopic ovariectomy, although slower, appeared less painful compared with conventional ventral midline and flank ovariectomy. Postoperative pain did not differ significantly between midline and flank groups. © Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Growth habit and surface morphology of L-arginine phosphate monohydrate single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangwal, K.; Veintemillas-Verdaguer, S.; Torrent-Burgués, J.

1995-10-01

The results of a study of the growth habit and the surface topography of L-arginine phosphate monohydrate (LAP) single crystals as a function of supersaturation are described and discussed. Apart from a change in the growth habit with supersaturation, it was observed that most of the as-grown faces of LAP exhibit isolated growth hillocks and macrohillocks and parallel bunched layers and that the formation of bunched layers is pronounced on faces showing macrohillocks. Observations of bunching of growth layers emitted by macrohillocks on the {100} faces revealed that, for the onset of bunching close to a macrospiral, there is a characteristic threshold distance whose value depends on the interstep distance and supersaturation, but is independent of step height. The theoretical habit of LAP deduced from PBC analysis showed that all faces exhibiting growth hillocks and macrohillocks are F faces. Analysis of the results on bunch formation revealed that growth of LAP takes place by the direct integration of growth entities at the growth steps, that the bunching is facilitated by an increasing value of the activation energy for their integration, and that the observed dependencies of threshold distance on interstep distance, supersaturation and step height are qualitatively in agreement with van der Eerden and Müller-Krumbhaar's theory of bunch formation.

Respectability, morality and disgust in the night‐time economy: exploring reactions to ‘lap dance’ clubs in England and Wales

PubMed Central

Hubbard, Phil; Colosi, Rachela

2015-01-01

Abstract The night‐time economy is often described as repelling consumers fearful of the ‘undesirable Others’ imagined dominant within such time‐spaces. In this paper we explore this by describing attitudes towards, and reactions to, one particularly contentious site: the ‘lap dance’ club. Often targeted by campaigners in England and Wales as a source of criminality and anti‐sociality, in this paper we shift the focus from fear to disgust, and argue that Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) are opposed on the basis of moral judgments that reflect distinctions of both class and gender. Drawing on documentary analysis, survey results and interview data collected during guided walks, we detail the concerns voiced by those anxious about the presence of lap dance or striptease clubs in their town or city, particularly the notion that they ‘lower the tone’ of particular streets or neighbourhoods. Our conclusion is that the opposition expressed to lap dance clubs is part of an attempt to police the boundaries of respectable masculinities and femininities, marginalizing the producers and consumers of sexual entertainment through ‘speech acts’ which identify such entertainment as unruly, vulgar and uncivilized. These findings are considered in the light of ongoing debates concerning the relations of morality, respectability and disgust. PMID:27708460

Left Atrial Pressure Monitoring With an Implantable Wireless Pressure Sensor After Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device

PubMed Central

Baranowski, Jacek; Delshad, Baz; Ahn, Henrik

2017-01-01

After implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD), left atrial pressure (LAP) monitoring allows for the precise management of intravascular volume, inotropic therapy, and pump speed. In this case series of 4 LVAD recipients, we report the first clinical use of this wireless pressure sensor for the long-term monitoring of LAP during LVAD support. A wireless microelectromechanical system pressure sensor (Titan, ISS Inc., Ypsilanti, MI) was placed in the left atrium in four patients at the time of LVAD implantation. Titan sensor LAP was measured in all four patients on the intensive care unit and in three patients at home. Ramped speed tests were performed using LAP and echocardiography in three patients. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (cm), flow (L/min), power consumption (W), and blood pressure (mm Hg) were measured at each step. Measurements were performed over 36, 84, 137, and 180 days, respectively. The three discharged patients had equipment at home and were able to perform daily recordings. There were significant correlations between sensor pressure and pump speed, LV and LA size and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, respectively (r = 0.92–0.99, p < 0.05). There was no device failure, and there were no adverse consequences of its use. PMID:27676410

Microstructure and fatigue resistance of high strength dual phase steel welded with gas metal arc welding and plasma arc welding processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahiale, Godwin Kwame; Oh, Yong-Jun; Choi, Won-Doo; Lee, Kwang-Bok; Jung, Jae-Gyu; Nam, Soo Woo

2013-09-01

This study presents the microstructure and high cycle fatigue performance of lap shear joints of dual phase steel (DP590) welded using gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and plasma arc welding (PAW) processes. High cycle fatigue tests were conducted on single and double lap joints under a load ratio of 0.1 and a frequency of 20 Hz. In order to establish a basis for comparison, both weldments were fabricated to have the same weld depth in the plate thickness. The PAW specimens exhibited a higher fatigue life, a gentle S-N slope, and a higher fatigue limit than the GMAW specimens. The improvement in the fatigue life of the PAW specimens was primarily attributed to the geometry effect that exhibited lower and wider beads resulting in a lower stress concentration at the weld toe where cracks initiate and propagate. Furthermore, the microstructural constituents in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the PAW specimens contributed to the improvement. The higher volume fraction of acicular ferrite in the HAZ beneath the weld toe enhanced the PAW specimen's resistance to fatigue crack growth. The double lap joints displayed a higher fatigue life than the single lap joints without changing the S-N slope.

Lectin Affinity Plasmapheresis for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus and Marburg Virus Glycoprotein Elimination.

PubMed

Koch, Benjamin; Schult-Dietrich, Patricia; Büttner, Stefan; Dilmaghani, Bijan; Lohmann, Dario; Baer, Patrick C; Dietrich, Ursula; Geiger, Helmut

2018-04-26

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Marburg virus (MARV) are among the World Health Organization's top 8 emerging pathogens. Both zoonoses share nonspecific early symptoms, a high lethality rate, and a reduced number of specific treatment options. Therefore, we evaluated extracorporeal virus and glycoprotein (GP) elimination by lectin affinity plasmapheresis (LAP). For both MERS-CoV (pseudovirus) as well as MARV (GPs), 4 LAP devices (Mini Hemopurifiers, Aethlon Medical, San Diego, CA, USA) and 4 negative controls were tested. Samples were collected every 30 min and analyzed for reduction in virus infectivity by a flow cytometry-based infectivity assay (MERS-CoV) and in soluble GP content (MARV) by an immunoassay. The experiments show a time-dependent clearance of MERS-CoV of up to 80% within 3 h (pseudovirus). Up to 70% of MARV-soluble GPs were eliminated at the same time. Substantial saturation of the binding resins was detected within the first treatment hour. MERS-CoV (pseudovirus) and MARV soluble GPs are eliminated by LAP in vitro. Considering the high lethality and missing established treatment options, LAP should be evaluated in vivo. Especially early initiation, continuous therapy, and timed cartridge exchanges could be of importance. The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Influences of Probe’s Morphology for Metal Ion Detection Based on Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors

PubMed Central

Shao, Chen; Zhou, Shuang; Yin, Xuebo; Gu, Yajun; Jia, Yunfang

2016-01-01

The sensing mechanism of binding Hg2+ into thymine-thymine (T-T) mismatched base pairs was introduced into a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) with anti-Hg2+ aptamer as the sensing units. Three kinds of T-rich single-strand DNA (ssDNA) chains with different spacer lengths, from 0 to 12 –CH2 groups, were designed to investigate surface charge and morphological effects on the LAPS’ output. First, by comparing the responding of LAPS modified with three kinds of ssDNA, it was found that the best performance for Hg2+ sensing was exhibited by the probe without –CH2 groups. The detection limit of Hg2+ ion was 1 ppt under the optimal condition. Second, the cooperative effects of surface charge and morphology on the output were observed by the controlled experiments. The two effects were the negative charge balanced by metal cations and the morphological changing caused by the formation of T-Hg2+-T structure. In conclusion, not only the influences of the aptamer probe’s morphology and surface charge was investigated on the platform of LAPS, but also sensing Hg2+ ions was achieved for the first time by the presented aptamer LAPS. PMID:27187412

Fatty Liver Index and Lipid Accumulation Product Can Predict Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects without Fatty Liver Disease

PubMed Central

Cheng, Yuan-Lung; Wang, Yuan-Jen; Lan, Keng-Hsin; Huo, Teh-Ia; Hsieh, Wei-Yao; Hou, Ming-Chih; Lee, Fa-Yauh; Wu, Jaw-Ching; Lee, Shou-Dong

2017-01-01

Background. Fatty liver index (FLI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are indexes originally designed to assess the risk of fatty liver and cardiovascular disease, respectively. Both indexes have been proven to be reliable markers of subsequent metabolic syndrome; however, their ability to predict metabolic syndrome in subjects without fatty liver disease has not been clarified. Methods. We enrolled consecutive subjects who received health check-up services at Taipei Veterans General Hospital from 2002 to 2009. Fatty liver disease was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. The ability of the FLI and LAP to predict metabolic syndrome was assessed by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. Results. Male sex was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, and the LAP and FLI were better than other variables to predict metabolic syndrome among the 29,797 subjects. Both indexes were also better than other variables to detect metabolic syndrome in subjects without fatty liver disease (AUROC: 0.871 and 0.879, resp.), and the predictive power was greater among women. Conclusion. Metabolic syndrome increases the cardiovascular disease risk. The FLI and LAP could be used to recognize the syndrome in both subjects with and without fatty liver disease who require lifestyle modifications and counseling. PMID:28194177

The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery and LapVR evaluation metrics may not correlate with operative performance in a novice cohort

PubMed Central

Steigerwald, Sarah N.; Park, Jason; Hardy, Krista M.; Gillman, Lawrence; Vergis, Ashley S.

2015-01-01

Background Considerable resources have been invested in both low- and high-fidelity simulators in surgical training. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS, low-fidelity box trainer) and LapVR (high-fidelity virtual reality) training systems correlate with operative performance on the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) global rating scale using a porcine cholecystectomy model in a novice surgical group with minimal laparoscopic experience. Methods Fourteen postgraduate year 1 surgical residents with minimal laparoscopic experience performed tasks from the FLS program and the LapVR simulator as well as a live porcine laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Performance was evaluated using standardized FLS metrics, automatic computer evaluations, and a validated global rating scale. Results Overall, FLS score did not show an association with GOALS global rating scale score on the porcine cholecystectomy. None of the five LapVR task scores were significantly associated with GOALS score on the porcine cholecystectomy. Conclusions Neither the low-fidelity box trainer or the high-fidelity virtual simulator demonstrated significant correlation with GOALS operative scores. These findings offer caution against the use of these modalities for brief assessments of novice surgical trainees, especially for predictive or selection purposes. PMID:26641071

Immittance Data Validation by Kramers‐Kronig Relations – Derivation and Implications

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Abstract Explicitly based on causality, linearity (superposition) and stability (time invariance) and implicit on continuity (consistency), finiteness (convergence) and uniqueness (single valuedness) in the time domain, Kramers‐Kronig (KK) integral transform (KKT) relations for immittances are derived as pure mathematical constructs in the complex frequency domain using the two‐sided (bilateral) Laplace integral transform (LT) reduced to the Fourier domain for sufficiently rapid exponential decaying, bounded immittances. Novel anti KK relations are also derived to distinguish LTI (linear, time invariant) systems from non‐linear, unstable and acausal systems. All relations can be used to test KK transformability on the LTI principles of linearity, stability and causality of measured and model data by Fourier transform (FT) in immittance spectroscopy (IS). Also, integral transform relations are provided to estimate (conjugate) immittances at zero and infinite frequency particularly useful to normalise data and compare data. Also, important implications for IS are presented and suggestions for consistent data analysis are made which generally apply likewise to complex valued quantities in many fields of engineering and natural sciences. PMID:29577007

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel HSP70 inhibitors: N, N'-disubstituted thiourea derivatives.

PubMed

Zeng, Yan-Qun; Cao, Rui-Yuan; Yang, Jian-Ling; Li, Xing-Zhou; Li, Song; Zhong, Wu

2016-08-25

As novel heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) inhibitors, N, N'-disubstituted thiourea derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the X-ray structure of the ATPase domain (nucleotide binding domain, NBD). An ATPase activity inhibition assay revealed that these compounds effectively inhibited HSP70 ATPase activity. The results revealed that the compounds 370/371/374/379/380//392/394/397/404/405 and 407 can inhibit the HSP70 ATPase turnover with high percentages of inhibition: 50.42, 38.46, 50.45, 44.12, 47.13, 50.50, 40.95, 65.36, 46.23, 35.78, and 58.37 in 200 μM, respectively. Significant synergies with lapatinib were observed for compound 379 and compound 405 in the BT474 breast cancer cell line. A structure-function analysis revealed that most of the thiourea derivatives exhibited cooperative action with lapatinib in the BT474 cancer cell line and the BT/Lap(R)1.0 lapatinib-resistant cell line. HSP70 inhibitors may be developed as synergetic drugs in drug-resistant cancer therapy. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.

Recent progress in synchrotron-based frequency-domain Fourier-transform THz-EPR.

PubMed

Nehrkorn, Joscha; Holldack, Karsten; Bittl, Robert; Schnegg, Alexander

2017-07-01

We describe frequency-domain Fourier-transform THz-EPR as a method to assign spin-coupling parameters of high-spin (S>1/2) systems with very large zero-field splittings. The instrumental foundations of synchrotron-based FD-FT THz-EPR are presented, alongside with a discussion of frequency-domain EPR simulation routines. The capabilities of this approach is demonstrated for selected mono- and multinuclear HS systems. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges and give an outlook on the future prospects of the technique. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Single Amino Acid Substitution in the v-Eyk Intracellular Domain Results in Activation of Stat3 and Enhances Cellular Transformation

PubMed Central

Besser, Daniel; Bromberg, Jacqueline F.; Darnell, James E.; Hanafusa, Hidesaburo

1999-01-01

The receptor tyrosine kinase Eyk, a member of the Axl/Tyro3 subfamily, activates the STAT pathway and transforms cells when constitutively activated. Here, we compared the potentials of the intracellular domains of Eyk molecules derived from c-Eyk and v-Eyk to transform rat 3Y1 fibroblasts. The v-Eyk molecule induced higher numbers of transformants in soft agar and stronger activation of Stat3; levels of Stat1 activation by the two Eyk molecules were similar. A mutation in the sequence Y933VPL, present in c-Eyk, to the v-Eyk sequence Y933VPQ led to increased activation of Stat3 and increased transformation efficiency. However, altering another sequence, Y862VNT, present in both Eyk molecules to F862VNT markedly decreased transformation without impairing Stat3 activation. These results indicate that activation of Stat3 enhances transformation efficiency and cooperates with another pathway to induce transformation. PMID:9891073

The whole number axis integer linear transformation reversible information hiding algorithm on wavelet domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhuo; Xie, Chengjun

2013-12-01

This paper improved the algorithm of reversible integer linear transform on finite interval [0,255], which can realize reversible integer linear transform in whole number axis shielding data LSB (least significant bit). Firstly, this method use integer wavelet transformation based on lifting scheme to transform the original image, and select the transformed high frequency areas as information hiding area, meanwhile transform the high frequency coefficients blocks in integer linear way and embed the secret information in LSB of each coefficient, then information hiding by embedding the opposite steps. To extract data bits and recover the host image, a similar reverse procedure can be conducted, and the original host image can be lossless recovered. The simulation experimental results show that this method has good secrecy and concealment, after conducted the CDF (m, n) and DD (m, n) series of wavelet transformed. This method can be applied to information security domain, such as medicine, law and military.

Microcomputer Simulation of a Fourier Approach to Optical Wave Propagation

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

and transformed input in transform domain). 44 Figure 21. SHFTOUTPUT1 ( inverse transform of product of Bessel filter and transformed input). . . . 44...Figure 22. SHFT OUTPUT2 ( inverse transform of product of ,derivative filter and transformed input).. 45 Figure 23. •tIFT OUTPUT (sum of SHFTOUTPUT1...52 Figure 33. SHFT OUTPUT1 at time slice 1 ( inverse transform of product of Bessel filter and transformed input) .... ............. ... 53

A comparison of VLSI architectures for time and transform domain decoding of Reed-Solomon codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsu, I. S.; Truong, T. K.; Deutsch, L. J.; Satorius, E. H.; Reed, I. S.

1988-01-01

It is well known that the Euclidean algorithm or its equivalent, continued fractions, can be used to find the error locator polynomial needed to decode a Reed-Solomon (RS) code. It is shown that this algorithm can be used for both time and transform domain decoding by replacing its initial conditions with the Forney syndromes and the erasure locator polynomial. By this means both the errata locator polynomial and the errate evaluator polynomial can be obtained with the Euclidean algorithm. With these ideas, both time and transform domain Reed-Solomon decoders for correcting errors and erasures are simplified and compared. As a consequence, the architectures of Reed-Solomon decoders for correcting both errors and erasures can be made more modular, regular, simple, and naturally suitable for VLSI implementation.

Using Herbs and Spices/Preparing Sauces and Gravies. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.11. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with herbs and spices and the selection and preparation of sauces and gravies. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these areas:…

SEM/XPS analysis of fractured adhesively bonded graphite fibre surface resin-rich/graphite fibre composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devilbiss, T. A.; Wightman, J. P.; Progar, D. J.

1988-01-01

Samples of graphite fiber-reinforced polyimide were fabricated allowing the resin to accumulate at the composite surface. These surface resin-rich composites were then bonded together and tested for lap shear strength both before and after thermal aging. Lap shear strength did not appear to show a significant improvement over that previously recorded for resin-poor samples and was shown to decrease with increasing aging time and temperature.

Buying, Preparing, and Cooking Shellfish. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.13c. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with the various market forms of shellfish and how to clean, prepare, and cook them. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these…

Buying, Preparing, and Cooking Fish. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.13b. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with the market forms of fish, how to clean and portion them, and how to cook them. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these…

Using Cooking, Baking, and Cutting Terms. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 5.1a. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 5: Basic Food Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with some of the terms used in recipes. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided on important cooking, baking, and cutting terms. The…

Recognition and Use of Kitchen Tools and Utensils. Learning Activity Pack and Instructor's Guide 4.4. Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts Competency-Based Series. Section 4: Equipment Handling, Operation, and Maintenance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Studies in Vocational Education.

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with common tools and utensils used in commercial kitchens. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided on various kitchen tools (cutting,…

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Lunar Rocks from Outer Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The following topics were discussed: Mineralogy and Petrology of Unbrecciated Lunar Basaltic Meteorite LAP 02205; LAP02205 Lunar Meteorite: Lunar Mare Basalt with Similarities to the Apollo 12 Ilmenite Basalt; Mineral Chemistry of LaPaz Ice Field 02205 - A New Lunar Basalt; Petrography of Lunar Meteorite LAP 02205, a New Low-Ti Basalt Possibly Launch Paired with NWA 032; KREEP-rich Basaltic Magmatism: Diversity of Composition and Consistency of Age; Mineralogy of Yamato 983885 Lunar Polymict Breccia with Alkali-rich and Mg-rich Rocks; Ar-Ar Studies of Dhofar Clast-rich Feldspathic Highland Meteorites: 025, 026, 280, 303; Can Granulite Metamorphic Conditions Reset 40Ar-39Ar Ages in Lunar Rocks? [#1009] A Ferroan Gabbronorite Clast in Lunar Meteorite ALHA81005: Major and Trace Element Composition, and Origin; Petrography of Lunar Meteorite PCA02007, a New Feldspathic Regolith Breccia; and Troilite Formed by Sulfurization: A Crystal Structure of Synthetic Analogue

Improving smoothing efficiency of rigid conformal polishing tool using time-dependent smoothing evaluation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Chi; Zhang, Xuejun; Zhang, Xin; Hu, Haifei; Zeng, Xuefeng

2017-06-01

A rigid conformal (RC) lap can smooth mid-spatial-frequency (MSF) errors, which are naturally smaller than the tool size, while still removing large-scale errors in a short time. However, the RC-lap smoothing efficiency performance is poorer than expected, and existing smoothing models cannot explicitly specify the methods to improve this efficiency. We presented an explicit time-dependent smoothing evaluation model that contained specific smoothing parameters directly derived from the parametric smoothing model and the Preston equation. Based on the time-dependent model, we proposed a strategy to improve the RC-lap smoothing efficiency, which incorporated the theoretical model, tool optimization, and efficiency limit determination. Two sets of smoothing experiments were performed to demonstrate the smoothing efficiency achieved using the time-dependent smoothing model. A high, theory-like tool influence function and a limiting tool speed of 300 RPM were o

Analytical and experimental investigation of fatigue in lap joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swenson, Daniel V.; Chih-Chien, Chia; Derber, Thomas G.

A finite element model is presented that can simulate crack growth in layered structures such as lap joints. The layers can be joined either by rivets or adhesives. The crack is represented discretely in the mesh, and automatic remeshing is performed as the crack grows. Because of the connections between the layers, load is transferred to the uncracked layer as the crack grows. This reduces the stress intensity and slows the crack growth rate. The model is used to analyze tests performed on a section of a wing spanwise lap joint. The crack was initiated at a rivet and grown under constant amplitude cyclic loads. Both experimentally observed crack growth rates and the analysis show the retardation that occurs as a result of load transfer between layers. A good correlation is obtained between predicted and observed crack growth rates for the fullly developed through-thickness crack.

Electrochemical and mechanical polishing and shaping method and system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engelhaupt, Darell E. (Inventor); Gubarev, Mikhail V. (Inventor); Jones, William David (Inventor); Ramsey, Brian D. (Inventor); Benson, Carl M. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A method and system are provided for the shaping and polishing of the surface of a material selected from the group consisting of electrically semi-conductive materials and conductive materials. An electrically non-conductive polishing lap incorporates a conductive electrode such that, when the polishing lap is placed on the material's surface, the electrode is placed in spaced-apart juxtaposition with respect to the material's surface. A liquid electrolyte is disposed between the material's surface and the electrode. The electrolyte has an electrochemical stability constant such that cathodic material deposition on the electrode is not supported when a current flows through the electrode, the electrolyte and the material. As the polishing lap and the material surface experience relative movement, current flows through the electrode based on (i) adherence to Faraday's Law, and (ii) a pre-processing profile of the surface and a desired post-processing profile of the surface.

Novel Ambler class A beta-lactamase LAP-1 and its association with the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant QnrS1.

PubMed

Poirel, Laurent; Cattoir, Vincent; Soares, Ana; Soussy, Claude-James; Nordmann, Patrice

2007-02-01

The plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant QnrS1 was identified in non-clonally related Enterobacter cloacae isolates in association with a transferable narrow-spectrum beta-lactam resistance marker. Cloning experiments allowed the identification of a novel Ambler class A beta-lactamase, named LAP-1. It shares 62 and 61% amino acid identity with the most closely related beta-lactamases, TEM-1 and SHV-1, respectively. It has a narrow-spectrum hydrolysis of beta-lactams and is strongly inhibited by clavulanic acid and sulbactam and, to a lesser extent, by tazobactam. Association of the blaLAP-1 gene with the qnrS1 gene was identified in E. cloacae isolates from France and Vietnam. These genes were plasmid located and associated with similar insertion sequences but were not associated with sul1-type class 1 integrons, as opposed to the qnrA genes.

Modeling the Influence of Stitching on Delamination Growth in Stitched Warp-Knit Composite Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glaessgen, E. H.; Raju, I. S.; Poe, C. C., Jr.

1999-01-01

The effect of stitches on the failure of a single lap joint configuration was determined in a combined experimental and analytical study. The experimental study was conducted to determine debond growth under static monotonic loading. The stitches were shown to delay the initiation of the debond and provide load transfer beyond the load necessary to completely debond the stitched lap joint. The strain energy release rates at the debond front were calculated using a finite element-based technique. Models of the unstitched configuration showed significant values of modes I and II across the width of the joint and showed that mode III is zero at the centerline but increases near the free edge. Models of the stitched configuration showed that the stitches effectively reduced mode I to zero, but had less of an effect on modes II and III.

Fatigue Damage Monitoring of a Composite Step Lap Joint Using Distributed Optical Fibre Sensors

PubMed Central

Wong, Leslie; Chowdhury, Nabil; Wang, John; Chiu, Wing Kong; Kodikara, Jayantha

2016-01-01

Over the past few decades, there has been a considerable interest in the use of distributed optical fibre sensors (DOFS) for structural health monitoring of composite structures. In aerospace-related work, health monitoring of the adhesive joints of composites has become more significant, as they can suffer from cracking and delamination, which can have a significant impact on the integrity of the joint. In this paper, a swept-wavelength interferometry (SWI) based DOFS technique is used to monitor the fatigue in a flush step lap joint composite structure. The presented results will show the potential application of distributed optical fibre sensor for damage detection, as well as monitoring the fatigue crack growth along the bondline of a step lap joint composite structure. The results confirmed that a distributed optical fibre sensor is able to enhance the detection of localised damage in a structure. PMID:28773496

Good feelings in christianity and buddhism: religious differences in ideal affect.

PubMed

Tsai, Jeanne L; Miao, Felicity F; Seppala, Emma

2007-03-01

Affect valuation theory (AVT) predicts cultural variation in the affective states that people ideally want to feel (i.e., "ideal affect"). National and ethnic comparisons support this prediction: For instance, European Americans (EA) value high arousal positive (HAP) states (e.g., excitement) more and low arousal positive (LAP) states (e.g., calm) less than Hong Kong Chinese. In this article, the authors examine whether religions differ in the ideal affective states they endorse. The authors predicted that Christianity values HAP more and LAP less than Buddhism. In Study 1, they compared Christian and Buddhist practitioners' ideal affect. In Studies 2 and 3, they compared the endorsement of HAP and LAP in Christian and Buddhist classical texts (e.g., Gospels, Lotus Sutra) and contemporary self-help books (e.g., Your Best Life Now, Art of Happiness). Findings supported predictions, suggesting that AVT applies to religious and to national and ethnic cultures.

Effect of crystallographical and geometrical changes of a ferrite head on magnetic signals during the sliding process with magnetic tape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, K.; Buckley, D. H.; Tanaka, K.

1986-01-01

This paper reviews changes in the crystalline structure and geometry of lapped Mn-Zn ferrite heads in sliding contact with magnetic tape and the effects of these changes on magnetic signals. A highly textured, polycrystalline structure was produced on the surface of a single-crystal Mn-Zn ferrite head when it was finished with an aluminum oxide lapping tape. Sliding this lapped surface against a magnetic tape produced a nearly amorphous structure. The sliding process led to a degradation in readback signal of 1 to 2 dB (short-wavelength recording). Furthermore, wear of the magnetic head caused geometrical changes in the head surface. The signal read back with the worn magnetic head was sensitive to operating parameters such as head displacement and tape tension. A change in operating parameters created head-to-tape spacings and, consequently, excessive gains or losses in the readback signal.

A critical examination of stresses in an elastic single lap joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, P. A.; Sawyer, J. W.

1979-01-01

The results of an approximate nonlinear finite-element analysis of a single lap joint are presented and compared with the results of a linear finite-element analysis, and the geometric nonlinear effects caused by the load-path eccentricity on the adhesive stress distributions are determined. The results from finite-element, Goland-Reissner, and photoelastic analyses show that for a single lap joint the effect of the geometric nonlinear behavior of the joint has a sizable effect on the stresses in the adhesive. The Goland-Reissner analysis is sufficiently accurate in the prediction of stresses along the midsurface of the adhesive bond to be used for qualitative evaluation of the influence of geometric or material parametric variations. Detailed stress distributions in both the adherend and adhesive obtained from the finite-element analysis are presented to provide a basis for comparison with other solution techniques.